Alexander McQueen committed suicide after taking a lethal mix of cocaine, tranquillisers and sleeping pills, an inquest has ruled.

London's Westminster Coroner's Court were told how the 40-year-old fashion designer hung himself at his London home after facing huge pressure at work and being "overwhelmed with grief" at the loss of his mother.

Coroner Dr Paul Knapman - who recorded a suicide verdict - said: "The balance of his mind was disturbed."

McQueen's body was found at his flat on 11 February, the night before his beloved mother Joyce's funeral.

The court were also informed how McQueen had a history of depression, anxiety and insomnia, and had attempted suicide before and researched killing himself on the internet prior to his death.

McQueen's psychiatrist, Dr Stephen Pereira, told the inquest his patient was diagnosed with mixed anxiety and depressive disorder.

He said: "He certainly felt very pressured by his work, but it was a double-edged sword.

"He felt it was the only area of his life where he felt he had achieved something.

"Usually after a show he felt a huge come-down. He felt isolated, it gave him a huge low."

McQueen was born in London's East End and was named British Designer of the Year on four occasions between 1996 and 2003 and made clothes for a whole range of high-profile stars, including Britain's Prince Charles.

He was also awarded a CBE as well as being named International Designer of the Year at the Council of Fashion Designer Awards.