AN inquest has been formally opened into the death of a 35-year-old man.

Ian Hardy, from Runcorn, died after being rushed to Warrington Hospital on New Year’s Eve.

His inquest was opened at Warrington Coroner’s Court on Wednesday and adjourned for a full hearing later this year.

The court heard that paramedics attended his home address in the Halton Brook area following a call from a family member.

They administered treatment and he was admitted to Warrington Hospital.

However, despite CPR being attempted, he was pronounced dead at the Lovely Lane site.

A coroner officer stated that the reason for an inquest being requested was due to an 'unnatural' cause of death being identified following a post-mortem examination.

Mr Hardy was identified by his mother to a police constable on December 31, the court heard.

After hearing the brief circumstances of the death, Elizabeth Wheeler, assistant coroner for Cheshire, said: “On the evidence I have heard, I am satisfied that the case of Ian Hardy requires an inquest.

“I therefore open and adjourn the inquest to June 13.”