AN inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of a pensioner who was found at his Poole home with severe head injuries.

Charles Roy Taylor, aged 82, was found critically injured at Phyldon Close on December 17.

The retired heating engineer was rushed to hospital, where he died 15 days later.

Assistant Dorset Coroner Deborah Rookes presided over the short hearing, at Dorset Coroner's Court, Bournemouth, yesterday.

Mrs Rookes confirmed Mr Taylor died at Poole Hospital on New Year's Day.

Coroner's officer Andy Lord told the court: "Mr Taylor was admitted to Poole Hospital on December 17, following an incident at his home address.

"He was diagnosed with a traumatic brain injury.

"He was incubated and ventilated and transferred to intensive care."

Neurosurgeons at Southampton General Hospital later decided Mr Taylor could not be helped by surgery.

A post mortem confirmed the cause of death as a head injury.

The inquest was adjourned until a pre-inquest review hearing on May 2, 2019.

A man appeared in court, last month, in connection with the incident.

Matthew Locks, from Poole, aged 26, was arrested at the scene and later charged with causing grievous bodily harm with intent.

Dorset Police's Major Crime Investigation Team continues to investigate.