A woman was found dead at her home by police, an inquest heard.

Penelope Ruth Thompson died on August 31, 2022, in her home at Manor Cottages in Winterbourne Dauntsey.

An inquest, held on March 20 at Wiltshire and Swindon Coroners Court, heard Mrs Thompson, 51, lived alone in the three-bedroom house and had suffered from alcoholism as well as physical and mental health conditions. 

Police Constable Juliet Cox visited Mrs Thompson's home on August 31 after she had not been seen for a few days. 

Read more: What happens at an inquest and what can the press report?

Upon entering the property, using keys from a neighbour, PC Cox found Mrs Thompson deceased in her bed and a note which read: "I'm sorry. I love you and please tell Alice how much I love her."

Tests showed that Mrs Thompson had a lethal amount of prescribed drugs in her system. There was no presence of alcohol in her blood.

Area coroner Ian Singleton recorded a narrative conclusion to Mrs Thompson's death.

Mr Singleton said he could not conclude if Mrs Thompson's death was suicide or accidental as the amount of medication in her system was not excessive.