A coroner is to investigate whether a lethal cocktail of alcohol and drugs caused the death of a 17-year-old musician.

Rob Janes, from Ferring, was found dead on Saturday March 21, after spending the night at a friend’s flat.

A post-mortem failed to establish the cause of his death and toxicology tests were taken to show the substances contained in his bloodstream when he died.

Police investigating his death said the tests showed he had taken drugs and alcohol in combinations and amounts which could prove fatal.

A statement from Sussex Police said: “The drugs found include alcohol as well as other substances that are controlled by the Misuse of Drugs Act 1971 and the Medicines Act 1968.

“A full report of these findings, as well as witness statements from friends who were with Robert the night he died, will be forwarded to the coroner.”

Rob, from Ferring, was a drummer in rock band Sexmess, who had recently signed to a management company and recorded an EP.

He spent the evening of Friday March 20 at a flat in Station Parade, Station Road, East Preston, near Littlehampton and slept on a mattress on the floor of a friend’s bedroom.

He was found dead in the morning. Paramedics were called but could not revive him.

Following the toxicology results, West Sussex Coroner’s Office is expected to hold an inquest to establish how he died.