A young father days from his 27th birthday died as a result of a 'freak accident' while playing football an inquest has heard.

David Winslow, of Church Street, Rochester, died after hitting his head on a wall at the Black Lion Leisure Centre, in Gillingham on September 22 last year while playing five-a-side football.

He was due to celebrate his 27th birthday two days later.

An inquest into his death was held yesterday (Thursday) at Maidstone County Hall. A referee, Michael Lane, and a spectator, David Ashcroft both spoke.

They both said Mr Winslow had run half the length of the indoor pitch and was running at speed when he attempted to perform a 'scissor kick' in an effort to shoot at goal.

Paramedics tried for an hour to resuscitate him but were unsuccessful.

Dr David Rouse, a pathologist, said Mr Winslow hit his head with such force that it bruised his brain and caused fractures to his skull.

Coroner Roger Sykes recorded a verdict of accidental death and said: "David was off the ground and his body twisted in the air. His momentum took him into the wall which he struck forcibly with the back of his head.

"The force of the impact affected the brain stem and he instantly lost consciousness and I believe shortly afterwards actually died.

"It was a freak accident where he was executing an athletic and acrobatic attempt to score a goal.

"This is nothing other than a most desperate set of circumstances but I would like to extend my condolences to his family and friends that have come here today."

For full story see Monday's Medway Messenger