AN inquest into the death of a man who jumped from a bridge above the A12 has been opened.

Jeffrey O’Brien, 75, had been receiving hospital treatment for cuts on his wrists in the weeks before he jumped onto the road at Marks Tey in August.

He was subsequently hit by a car.

At the opening of his inquest at Essex Coroner’s Court, coroner’s assistant Marianne Robson said: “On July 13 Mr O’Brien was found with severely cut wrists.

“He was conveyed to Colchester Hospital before being transferred to St Margaret’s Hospital.

“He then went to Broomfield Hospital for surgery and then was back to St Margaret’s for recuperation.

“On August 20 he left the hospital and drove immediately to the location at Marks Tey.

“He was seen on CCTV to park his car, walk to the parapet of the bridge and jump from the carriageway.

“He was then struck by a car.”

The road was shut for eight hours while police launched an investigation into Mr O’Brien’s death.

Area coroner Lincoln Brookes scheduled a full inquest for February 9 next year.

“It is clear we need a Post Mortem and toxicology reports.

“Given the circumstances I understand that Essex Partnership University NHS Foundation Trust (EPUT) the relevant mental health trust will be compiling a report about the circumstances leading up to the death.

“It would also be helpful to receive evidence from the family.”