AN inquest was opened yesterday on a man who died after he collapsed in the street.

Thomas Michael Brand, 51, of Ramsey Crescent, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, was found in Greenfields Road on Monday. He was pronounced dead shortly after he was taken to the town's General Hospital. There were no suspicious circumstances

Durham and Darlington Coroner Andrew Tweddle also opened a hearing into the death of Clyde Mangan, 68, a former factory manager who died at his home in Maple Court, Toft Hill, on Friday.

The cause is thought to be related to an industrial disease.

A third hearing was opened into the death of Albert Marshall, 85, of Wesley Close, east Stanley, on Friday in the University Hospital of North Durham. He is also believed to have been suffering from an industrial disease.

All three hearings were adjourned.