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A French woman who had lived in Britain for more than half a century killed herself after being gripped with Brexit fears.

Tragic France Marie-Louise Davies had ‘worries’ about Britain leaving the EU, her British husband said.

The 76-year-old’s inquest is believed to be the first where Brexit has been mentioned by the coroner in the verdict.

Her heartbroken husband Peter, 74, said after the hearing: “Six months ago, my EU partner of over 48 years died in tragic circumstances.

“She had lived here peacefully, respectfully and legally for over 50 years. Today the coroner recorded that it was suicide, citing among other reasons her worries about Brexit.”

His wife’s body was discovered just nine days before the UK’s original Brexit date of March 29.

She had been “expressing anxiety over current events” prior to her death, according to her inquest at Gloucestershire Coroner’s Court on Friday.

The hearing was told Peter was “distraught”and “overwhelmed” by the death of his wife in a statement heard.

The pensioner had discussed her fears with her husband the day before her death on March 20.

The elderly couple - who have a son, Benoit - had been planning to move to France but was worried about current affairs, the inquest heard.

France, who had a history of depression, had recently suffered ‘personal bereavement’ following the death of a pet, it heard.

She had also previously been treated for pneumonia and her mobility had been declining.

The inquest heard that on March 18 she left the house and went to the local veterinary practice but was brought home by staff in a distressed state.

Mrs. Davies did not return to their home in Tewkesbury that night, sparking a huge search operation by police.

Her body was found in a flooded field less than a mile from her home in the early hours of the next morning.

A postmortem revealed she had died from the effects of drowning.

Recording a verdict of suicide, senior coroner Katy Skerrett said Mrs Davies ‘was expressing anxiety about current events’ and had suffered ‘personal bereavement’.

She continued: “The day before she died she was still very worried about Brexit and in the evening she went out and tragically did not return.”

Mr Davies’ heartbreaking online statement was met with an outpouring of grief. Shocked users described Mrs Davies’ death as “absolutely appalling” and “utterly tragic”.

In February, a survey by research group Britain Thinks found that as many as six in ten people believe uncertainty over Brexit is damaging for mental health and confused by the issue and have little trust in politicians to sort it out.

If you need to speak to someone, Samaritans are available 24/7 by calling 116 123 or by emailing jo@samaritans.org