An inquest into the death of a father-of-two who died after a heavy night of partying was adjourned after the coroner questioned whether the police failed to investigate an anonymous tip-off that his drink had been spiked.

Ian Gordon, 39, of North Road, Romford, was found dead in March 2013 with his face and hands smeared in tomato ketchup after an all-night party where he downed two pints of vodka at 7am, an inquest heard on Tuesday.

Investigating officer Det Sgt Carey Hassall said an anonymous call was received that said: “It’s being said that the male who died was harassing a woman at the party and someone spiked his drink with ketamine.”

Det Sgt Hassall, who investigated the case alone, said she did not “have the resources available” to trace the caller.

An outraged relative of Mr Gordon said: “One phone call states there’s a high possibility of foul play. You should be able to trace that one phone call.”

Det Sgt Hassall also said she was unable to fully investigate the invitation list with the guests’ contact details provided to her by the organiser as she was working alone.

“I wasn’t given any further resources. There just aren’t any resources available in the borough,” Det Sgt Hassall said.

Walthamstow Coroner’s Court heard how the project manager died after ingesting alcohol, MDMA, cocaine and ketamine, but his wife Sharon, who attended the party with him, wasn’t aware he took drugs at all.

Forensic tests on his hair revealed that he was a regular recreational drug user.

Police told the court younger partygoers had witnessed cocaine and ketamine being used at the party and officers found drugs paraphernalia throughout the home.

“And there were discarded drinking vessels everywhere, and I really mean everywhere,” said Det Sgt Hassall.

More than 400 people were invited to Mark Walpole’s home. It was his 50th birthday party, his daughter’s 21st and a leaving do for his son who was going to Australia for a year.

Mr Gordon was found dead at around 10.30am covered by a duvet. A bag believed to contain cocaine was nearby.

Guest Samuel Akomolafe said he put the cover on Mr Gordon at around 8am when he was still alive and said he was not covered in ketchup at the time. Around five people remained at the party, he added.

In a statement Det Con Phil Rickells said he remained “open-minded” about the death as he could not disprove that Mr Gordon was spiked.

Coroner Nadia Persaud adjourned the inquest to get evidence from Det Con Rickells as to why the anonymous caller wasn’t traced.

“I will ask whether it is still possible to do it now,” she added.

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