A WOMAN from Lewisham told an inquest how she thought the red fluid dripping fromn her flat's ceiling was coming from the room above.

The body of 31-year-old Mark Skinner, who suffered from paranoid schizophrenia, was found in his Hither Green Lane flat, on September 11, this year.

In a statement read out to Southwark Coroner's Court, Dionne Ashley, who lived in the flat below, said: "I noticed a bad smell in the flat.

"I thought it was coming from the refuse bin.

"I went in the bedroom and it was worse.

"Then I saw red liquid dripping through the ceiling and thought it was blood."

Because of her suspicions, she called the police.

On investigation, they found the charity fundraiser lying next to his bed.

Pathologist Dr Ashley Fegan Earl, said: "Death can result in the production of fluids of various colours.

"These may appear to be blood but do not indicate a traumatic death."

But Mr Skinner's sister Tracy Sarcone said he had about £200 in cash when she saw him a few days earlier. His wallet has not been found.

She's was concerned a gold sovereign ring, bracelet and choker were also missing but Police said there was no sign of forced entry.

Recording an open verdict, coroner Selena Lynch said: "Sadly young fit people suffering from schizophrenia die for unexplained reasons.

"That would be my suspicion."

December 4, 2001 12:40