London Stock Exchange worker, Christopher Woolnough, kills himself

City worker Angelo Peroni tried to save Christopher Woolnough by grabbing his right forearm as the IT consultant, 56, climbed over a glass barrier.

But Mr Woolnough shook him off and continued on to an internal walkway where he jumped to his death in August this year, City of London Coroner's Court heard.

In a statement read by assistant coroner Dr Roy Palmer, Mr Peroni said : ''I saw the man climb over, he was about seven feet away from me.

"I realised he was going to jump. I shouted 'don't do it' and ran and grabbed his right forearm.

''He pulled away, he did not want to be saved.''

Mr Woolnough, from Braintree, visited his GP two weeks before his death on August 15 where he complained of stress, anxiety and low mood.

Mr Woolnough was prescribed an anti-depressant and told to return if he felt unwell at any time.

The inquest heard just days before his suicide, Mr Woolnough made changes to how his pension would be distributed after his death.

Assistant coroner Dr Palmer said: ''I am not going to read statements from the family but in summary they say what a lovely man Chris was, he was extremely fond of his family.

''I am so very sorry that you have lost a loved one in such sad circumstances.

''On the evidence that I have heard I have to reach a decision that Mr Woolnough took his own life that day.

''Mr Woolnough committed suicide and killed himself. I am sure you must have many happy memories and I would encourage you to reflect on those.''

After his death Mr Woolnough's family said he would be missed dearly.

They said: ''Chris was a kind and caring family man who worked for 31 years at the London Stock Exchange, as the Service Desk Team Lead.

"He never married and didn't have children of his own but was devoted to his three nieces and nephew. He would do anything for them.

“He will be missed dearly by his family, friends and girlfriend. The world has lost a kind, gentle and caring man.”