An inquest into the death of a man who fell through a ceiling at the Maidstone TV Studios has been suspended while investigators establish if there is any need for a criminal probe.

Justin Newitt fell 15ft while working at the studios in New Cut Road, Vinters Park on September 23.

This morning the court heard how Mr Newitt, of Cotswold Gardens, Downswood was rushed to King’s College Hospital in London following the accident, but despite best efforts was pronounced dead at 12.35pm.

The 38-year-old was working with three others at the time of his death, one of those being his nephew Curt Carreras, 19, who witnessed the incident.

Det Sgt Richard Le Jeune from Kent Police requested the inquest be suspended while the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) works with the force to establish if there was any criminal wrongdoing.

Speaking after the inquest, Justin’s brother, Ainsley Newitt, said: “I feel if there is any blame to be had, it’s right that the inquest is suspended so the police and HSE can get on with their work.”

Coroner Kate Thomas granted the request and suspended the case until November 17.

Last week, Justin's partner Jemma Webb paid tribute to the man she described as being her 'soulmate'.

Mr Newitt’s funeral will take place on Tuesday, October 13 at 11.45am at the Vinters Park Crematorium, Bearsted Road, Maidstone.

The family has launched a JustGiving page to raise funds for the funeral and to provide financial support in the coming months.