An inquest into the death of a man killed in a roadside collision on Easter Sunday has opened.

Andrew Cheffins, 23, was found in the early hours of the morning in Braintree Road, Halstead, after being hit by a car.

After his death, Mr Cheffins family paid tribute to their "kind hearted" son, brother, grandson, cousin and nephew.

Today, coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray, opened the inquest at Chelmsford Coroner’s Court.

Speaking at the inquest, coroner’s officer Alan Clements said: “Andrew Cheffins, of Halstead, died on the A131, Braintree Road, in Halstead.

“On the morning of Sunday, April 1, a white, Volkswagen Lupo was being driven along the road in the direction of Braintree when it is believed the deceased was struck.

“A forensic post-mortem carried out by a doctor found he had died of head and chest injuries.”

Coroner Eleanor Beasley-Murray set a date for the full inquest of Wednesday, August 22, before which a toxicology report will be compiled.

Mr Cheffins' body was not released.

Police have also renewed their appeal for information into the events surrounding Mr Cheffins’ death.

A spokesman said: "We believe that drivers and passengers of three vehicles will be able to assist in our enquiries.

"Three cars travelled away from Halstead in the early hours of Sunday, April 1, taking the route via Mount Hill on the A131. They would have passed a care home close to the scene.

"In addition to these three cars, which we believe passed sometime around 2.25am on April 1, we would also like to speak to the driver of a silver people carrier. The people carrier overtook a VW on the same road at 2.30am."

Anyone with information is asked to contact 101 and ask for PC Heidi Lee at the Serious Collisions Investigation Unit.

The reference number for this incident is 151 of 01/04.

Mr Cheffins worked at TES2000 in Colchester before his death.