AN ELDERLY man was found on his back with facial injuries, and inquest heard.

The hearing into the death of Donald Ralph opened at Essex Coroner's Court in Chelmsford today.

The 83-year-old man was found dead at his home in Halstead Road, Aldham on December 29. 

The inquest heard that Mr Ralph was on his back on the floor unresponsive, and he had facial injuries, and his death was sadly confirmed at the scene.

The police attended and are continuing their investigations.

A forensic post mortem was carried out which gave a provisional cause of death of Ligature strangulation.

Mr Ralph was described by his family as "young at heart" and had "boundless energy".

A date for the full inquest has not been set due to the ongoing police investigation.

Leighton Snook, 28, of no fixed address, and a 16-year-old boy have been charged with murdering Mr Ralph. 

They are due to appear at Ipswich Crown Court for a plea hearing at a later date.