Wife found Gary Speed's body, inquest hears

Wales football manager Gary Speed was found hanged at his home by his wife, an inquest was told today.

The 42-year-old father-of-two was found dead at his Cheshire home on Sunday morning.

Detective Inspector Peter Lawless, of Cheshire Police, told Cheshire coroner Nicholas Rheinberg that Speed's body was found by his wife Louise just before 7am.

He said there appeared to be no suspicious circumstances and a post mortem examination found Speed's death was caused by hanging.

Mr Rheinberg said: "I adjourn this inquest until January 30, 2012. The inquest will be heard in Warrington and will commence at 2pm."

There was a huge media presence at the inquest in Warrington but members of Speed's family did not attend.

The coroner asked the media to "respect the privacy" of Speed's family.

Earlier today Welsh Assembly Members observed a minute's silence in the Senedd, Cardiff Bay, while flags continue to fly at half mast outside the Welsh Assembly buildings Ty Hywel and the Senedd.

The Premier League meanwhile confirmed that a minute's applause would be observed at all matches this weekend, in honour of Speed, who made 535 appearances in the competition.

An official statement said: "Gary Speed was a wonderful ambassador for the game of football and will be remembered as an iconic player of the Premier League era. This will give clubs and fans the opportunity to show their appreciation for Gary's career and let his friends and family know that football's thoughts are with them at this difficult time."

A minute's silence was called at the Liberty Stadium on Sunday for Swansea's clash with Aston Villa, which spontaneously became one of applause as fans from both sides began to clap.