AN inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of a man who was found unconscious in the street with head injuries.

Father-of-two Paul Simpson, 34, of Eldon Street, Darlington, died in Middlesbrough General Hospital after suffering a fractured skull.

He was discovered lying in the street, yards away from his home in the early hours of Sunday March 11.

Mr Simpson, who had two children, had been studying for a degree at Northumbria University.

The inquest, at Darlington Magistrates' Court, was opened and adjourned by deputy coroner Kenneth Howe.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian McDonald, of Darlington police, told the inquest that a man had been charged with murder.

Alfred Welch, 21, of Harris Street, Darlington, is due to appear at Teesside Crown Court for trial in June.