Work is underway to identify an unknown man after his body was found in woodland.

An inquest has been opened into the death of the anonymous victim after his remains were discovered near Ashford.

The coroner's court at County Hall in Maidstone heard today that a member of the public had been walking in Isaac Wood, near Kingsnorth, when he made the sad discovery.

The witness, who had been in the area with his children, immediately called emergency services who attended and confirmed that the man had passed away.

Area coroner Katrina Hepburn told the court the cause of death had been given as suspension.

She added that procedures are underway to establish the identity of the unknown man, who was found on April 3.

"An identification is yet to take place, but steps are being taken by the police and coroner's officers so we will hopefully have an update soon," she added.

The inquest was opened and adjourned to be heard at a later date.