A MAN who was found unconscious on a rural road in Christchurch died from a severe head injury, an inquest has heard.

An inquest into the death of Gheorghe Igna, a Romanian national of no fixed abode, was opened and adjourned at Bournemouth Coroner’s Court this morning.

Coroner for Dorset, Sheriff Payne, was told the 48-year-old was found unconscious on Dudmoor Farm Road on Monday, March 31. He died in hospital after a ten day fight for life.

Coroner’s officer Andrew Lord told the court: “He was involved in an incident on Dudmoor Farm Road on March 31 in which he sustained severe head injuries.

“He was transferred to Southampton General Hospital where he passed away ten days later.

“Police and Her Majesty’s Coroner are investigating.”

The court heard Mr Igna’s body was identified by his friend Wayne Willets.

A post-mortem of his body, conducted by Home Office pathologist Basil Purdue, recorded a head injury as the cause of his death.

Mr Payne adjourned the inquest until July 24 to enable further investigations to be carried out.

Initially it was thought Mr Igna may have been the victim of a hit-and-run however police now believe he either jumped or fell from a moving vehicle.

A representative from Dorset Police said the force is continuing to investigate the incident.

She said: “Dorset Police are investigating the circumstances of this death.

“We believe he either jumped or fell from a moving, silver Toyota Hilux pick-up. Officers have spoken to the driver and enquiries are continuing.

“We are appealing for witnesses- anyone who may have seen this vehicle in the area prior to the incident.”

No one has been arrested in connection with Mr Igna’s death.

The force is still appealing for witnesses who may have seen anything in the area of Dudmoor Farm Road or Marsh Lane to contact them in confidence on 101 quoting incident number 31:145, or to call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.