Speed 'found by his wife'

Gary Speed was found dead at the weekend (GETTY IMAGES)

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

The 42-year-old father-of-two was found hanged 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 30 January, 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 in the day 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.

The Football Association of Wales' chief executive Jonathan Ford said the organisation had received messages from UEFA and FIFA, with the Welsh flag at FIFA House in Zurich flying at half-mast.

Mr Ford said: "He was such a great person and he is such a loss."

The FAW has opened a book of condolences at its offices in Cardiff allowing fans to express their feelings about Speed's death.