THE death of a 54-year-old electrician at one of the region's most famous engineering firms was "consistent with a fall", a coroner has been told.

Keith Poppleton, of Tunstall Road, Stockton, was near a 50ft high overhead travelling crane at Cleveland Bridge, Yarm Road, Darlington when he sustained serious injuries on Tuesday, October 25.

He was taken to James Cook University Hospital in Middlesbrough where he was pronounced dead.

The inquest into Mr Poppleton's death was opened by Durham coroner, Andrew Tweddle, in Crook on Friday.

Mr Tweddle was told that Mr Poppleton's wife, Catherine, identified her husband.

An initial post-mortem found that the cause of Mr Poppleton's death was "multiple injuries consistent with a fall."

Mr Tweddle was also told that a Health and Safety Executive (HSE) investigation was ongoing.

The inquest was adjourned for further investigations to take place.