A paramedic was found dead in her bedroom after a night out, an inquest has heard.

Zaquira Lawson-Cos was discovered unresponsive by her ex-boyfriend at her home in Clockhouse Rise, Coxheath, on New Year's Eve.

The 22-year-old, who was born in Havana, Cuba, has been described as a "kind-hearted individual".

An inquest opening at County Hall in Maidstone heard how the night before she died Ms Lawson-Cos had video called her mum before going into Maidstone with her housemate.

The pair returned home and went to their bedrooms.

Ms Lawson-Cos's ex-partner, who also lived at the house, returned from his shift at around 7am on New Year's Eve.

After going to sleep he went to Ms Lawson-Cos's room when he woke up at around 1pm to ask for a charger.

He found her unresponsive in her pyjamas with her make-up still on – her bed hadn't been slept in.

The paramedic's cause of death was given as hanging. She was identified by police and her friend.

Ms Lawson-Cos' colleagues let off golden and purple heart-shape balloons in her memory on New Year's Day.

"You will be truly missed good friend," Shana Widden said.

"Stand down Zaquira Lawson-Cos, you truly are amazing.

"Heaven has gained a true kind-hearted individual. Taken from us too soon.

"Thank you everyone who came and showed your support tonight. Until we meet again."

The inquest was adjourned to be heard in full on March 21 at County Hall.

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Laurence Sopp, South East Coast Ambulance Service (SECAmb) operating unit manager for Medway, said: “Zaquira was a popular colleague who had many friends across the service.

"She will be sadly missed by all those who knew and worked with her. Our thoughts are with her family and friends at this difficult time.”