AN inquest into the death of a man who was punched in the street and left for two hours was opened today.

Peter Wilmot, 41, died at Queen’s Hospital, Romford, on February 3 after being assaulted outside the home of his estranged wife on Broad Walk, Hockley, in the early hours of February 1.

He was later found on the ground unresponsive and taken to Southend Hospital before being transferred to Queen's, Chelmsford Coroners' Court heard.

A post mortem carried out by Home Office pathologist Ben Swift found the provisional cause of death to be 1a head injuries.

The inquest was adjourned until March 17.

Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said: "I will not permit the body to be released."

Glen Cooper, 36, of Broad Walk, Hockley, was arrested on February 1 in Westcliff and charged with causing grievous bodily harm. He will appear at Basildon Crown Court on May 5.