An inquest has been opened into the death of Dale Simmons, who was found dead following a suspected fall from a height.

The 42-year-old, of Marlborough Road, Gillingham, was found dead on Thursday April 14, near a chalk cliff off Jenkins Dale, Chatham.

Speaking at County Hall, Maidstone, this morning, Mid Kent and Medway assistant coroner Katrina Hepburn opened and adjourned the inquest.

She described how Mr Simmons, born on June 25, 1979, had been reported missing by his partner at 7.35am on the morning of April 14, and that police had begun inquiries to find him.

He was found later that day at Travis Perkins "at the rear left corner of the building, near a quarry, lying face down."

The cause of death was given as a head injury.

Ms Hepburn said there were likely to be criminal proceedings so no date would be set for a further hearing, and suspended the inquest "pending criminal investigations".

Last week four teenagers appeared at Medway Magistrates' Court, facing charges of manslaughter, and are next due to appear at Maidstone Crown Court on May 16.

Following his death tributes were paid to Mr Simmons, who was known to homelessness charity Gillingham Street Angels.

The charity's chief executive Neil Charlick described him as "lovely and bubbly type of guy".