A 24-year-old man stabbed himself days after he was assaulted near his home in King's Lynn, an inquest heard.

Krzysztof Gerot, who lived with his father, Gabriel, at Browning Place, died on December 17 last year.

In a statement read at the inquest in King's Lynn yesterday, Mr Gerot senior said his son, an agency worker, was 'generally in good health' before he was assaulted.

'We have always communicated well. I would have known had there been any problem. As far as I know Krzysztof hasn't had any serious stresses in his life.'

He said the Saturday before he died, his son came home 'covered in dirt', with a bruised right eye and a swollen face. He asked him who had beaten him up but his son refused to answer.

'After the assault Krzysztof's behaviour became very erratic. He would often run up to the window from room to room saying and shushing 'quiet they are there, they are there. They will kill us, they will kill us',' Mr Gerot senior said.

A few days after the assault, Mr Gerot was taken to hospital after harming himself and was there informed his brother had died. The inquest later heard his brother had killed himself in Peterborough.

On December 17, Mr Gerot stabbed himself and was found by his father.

Coroner Jacqueline Lake gave a short narrative conclusion that Mr Gerot died as a result of self-inflicted injuries but she could not be sure he had intended to end his life.

Anyone needing help can call Samaritans on 116 123.