AN INQUEST has opened at Ashford into the death of Detective Sergeant Brian Bennett who died after falling from the roof of Folkestone Police Station. Coroner Rachel Redman was told that Mr Bennett, 40, went to work as normal on Wednesday, December 12.

At 7.30am he was seen on the roof of the police station and was then seen to jump. He was taken to the William Harvey Hospital at Ashford where he died at about 8.45am.

The coroner adjourned the inquest pending further enquiries. A cremation certificate was granted to the family.

Mr Bennett lived with his wife at Ferguson Close, Hythe. None of the Scottish officer's relatives or colleagues attended the hearing held at the magistrates' court at Ashford.

A post mortem has confirmed the cause of death as multiple injuries.