Man suffered fatal head injury in alley - inquest

A man found dead near a parade of shops in a town centre suffered a fatal head injury, an inquest was told.

Darren Moss, 59, was discovered by police in an alleyway close to The Rows, in Harlow, Essex, at about 21:15 GMT on 18 December.

Three men - aged 43, 44 and 61 - were arrested on suspicion of his murder and released on bail until March.

A brief hearing, at Essex Coroner's Court, heard Mr Moss suffered fatal injuries to his head and face.

Area coroner Michelle Brown said she was awaiting the results of toxicology and neuropathology tests in relation to Mr Moss' death.

"Police are treating this as a suspicious death," said Ms Brown, who suspended inquest proceedings so the police could continue to investigate.

Mr Moss' family said they "take comfort in the smiles and giggles he gave to us" following his death.

Paying tribute, they continued: "There are no words that can convey the immense loss we all feel at Darren's unexpected and sudden passing.

"Darren was a charismatic person who had the ability to find humour in everyday life. He made people laugh."

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