A FATHER says he has been left “broken” after his son was found dead at his home.

Jack Edwards, 22, from Clacton, was found on July 22 at his father Marcus’s flat in Abbots Langley, Hertfordshire.

Jack and his father had been enjoying a barbecue with friends in the garden that afternoon.

Jack went to telephone his grandmother and his half-sister, Natalie, aged two, while Marcus was tidying up.

Jack was then found hanged in the bathroom. His father said: “I couldn’t get the door open, so I went to get a screwdriver, but I couldn’t get the door off.

“I ran to a friend who brought an electric saw, but he couldn’t do it. By then the fire brigade had arrived and they prised the door open.

“The ambulance was there too. They tried their absolute best.”

Jack was taken to Watford Hospital but was pronounced dead shortly after arrival.

Mr Edwards said: “I was distraught. I am broken. I feel like half of me has been ripped out.”

Speaking about his son, Mr Edwards said Jack was “such a loving person”, “wise beyond his years” and a great support to his friends when they needed him.

He said: “He was just a caring, compassionate, loving kid from day one. Just a sponge for people to unload on. He was funny, absolutely hilarious - he had me in stitches.”

Jack was staying with his father about five times a week since Mr Edwards moved to the area seven years ago.

An inquest will take place in due course but the death is not being treated as suspicious.

A service will be held at Weeley Crematorium.