An inquest into the death of a man found hanging from a footbridge in Maidstone has opened.

Nicholas Baker, a stonemason from Marden, was discovered early on Sunday evening at the railway bridge in Fairmeadow.

A distressed passerby discovered the 45-year-old at about 5.40pm and called emergency services to the scene.

Police and paramedics arrived shortly after and the witness stayed at the scene to give a full statement.

Mr Barker, of Sutton Court, was pronounced dead at the scene by paramedics at 6.34pm.

A post mortem conducted at Medway Maritime Hospital said the cause of death was suspension and his body was identified by his nephew.

The full inquest will be heard on Wednesday, March 12.