The inquest into the death of a man who died after he suffered serious head injuries at a farmhouse in Little Burstead has been opened.

Essex Coroner’s Court heard how 46-year-old Ricci Gallagher died at the Royal London Hospital on Thursday, August 6, a week after he was injured at a house in Sudburys Farm Road.

Police have launched a murder investigation into his death and are piecing together his movements before he was airlifted to hospital.

The investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate is examining a fire at Mr Gallagher’s home in Blind Lane, Little Burstead, which was reported by him minutes prior to police being called about an injured man in the farmhouse in adjacent Sudburys Farm Road.

Police are also looking in to why Mr Gallagher was in the farmhouse.

Two men remain on police bail until September 4, having been arrested at the scene on July 30.

Officers are hoping to trace the drivers of two vehicles which were in the vicinity of both incidents at between 9am and 9.30am.

The first was a lorry towing a trailer which had to move to allow a fire truck along Blind Lane.

The second was a grey Vauxhall vehicle, either an Astra or Corsa whose driver spoke with a fire fighter in Blind Lane and asked for directions.

He is described as white, aged 20-30, wearing a white V-neck t-shirt. He may have been holding a list.

Anyone who can identify these people or who has any information about the fire or subsequent death of Mr Gallagher is asked to contact Major Crime on 101 ext 486160, email SCDappeals@essex.pnn.police.ukor Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.