The concrete block which smashed a “much-loved” father’s windscreen as he drove along the M11 most likely came from the road or fell from another vehicle, an inquest has heard.

Andrew Brett, of Sible Hedingham, was travelling on the motorway near Birchanger when he lost control of his Vauxhall Corsa van and hit the central reservation.

He died of severe head injuries after the crash at 4.50pm on August 9.

A fragment of brick-sized concrete, weighing 2.45kg, was found in the van having smashed Mr Brett’s windscreen.

Detective Chief Inspector Martin Pasmore, of Essex Police, told Chelmsford Coroner’s Court on Friday police had ruled out the concrete block being thrown, but could not discount any third party involvement.

He said: “Sadly, despite a thorough investigation, it’s not been possible to establish exactly how it came to be that the concrete block penetrated the windscreen.

“Throwing has been ruled out. It is most likely that the vehicle flicked up the block or it fell from another vehicle.”

Mr Pasmore said if it was evident the block had fallen from another vehicle, then an offence of death by dangerous driving due to an insecure load may have been committed.

The officer said Mr Brett was travelling at 60mph when for “no apparent reason” his vehicle moved across into the fast lane, before colliding with the central reservation several times.

His van was found just over half-a-mile away where it came to a halt, hitting a tree.

Essex senior coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray, recording a narrative conclusion, said: “The deceased, Andrew Brett, died as he was driving on the M11 as a result of the injuries caused when a fragment of concrete airborne and penetrated the windscreen of his car. It is not known exactly what happened.”

Expressing her condolences, she said: “He was clearly a much-loved family member.”