Thorpeness cliff collapse left man with 'massive injuries'

Assistant coroner Kevin McCarthy said Brendan Lavery's death was a "major tragedy"

A man died from "massive multiple injuries" when a cliff collapsed on to him as he walked his dog, an inquest has heard.

Brendan Lavery, 58, of Ingham, was buried by the cliff at Thorpeness, Suffolk, on 14 January.

Members of the public joined police, fire, ambulance and coastguard crews in an attempt to save him, but he was pronounced dead at the scene.

The inquest into Mr Lavery's death was adjourned until 1 June.

Assistant coroner Kevin McCarthy expressed his condolences to the family of Mr Lavery, who worked as an electronics engineer, at the opening of the inquest in Ipswich.

He said Mr Lavery had been on the beach for the pleasure of a walk, and it was a "major tragedy" that it cost him his life.