A MAN found dead next to a woman at his home in Colchester died from a drug overdose, an inquest heard.

Police officers found Jonathan Parsons, 34, and Kelly Greer, 41, dead when they attended an address in Mersea Road on May 30.

Officers said Ms Greer had sustained injuries and the duo were pronounced dead at the scene shortly after 9.30am.

An inquest into the 41-year-old's death, opened and adjourned at Essex Coroner’s Court in July, heard her cause of death is pending the results of histology and toxicology reports.

Gazette: Cordon - a courtyard is shut off by police officers off Fairfax RoadCordon - a courtyard is shut off by police officers off Fairfax Road (Image: Essex Police)

Mr Parson’s inquest was also opened and adjourned at the same court this morning (Monday).

Coroner’s officer Liz Wood said a forensic post-mortem examination determined his cause of death as complications of multi-drug toxicity.

She said: “He died on May 30 2023 at his home address in Colchester. Mr Parsons was found unresponsive. An ambulance was called and his death was confirmed.

“Police attended and their investigations are ongoing.”

Gazette: Emergency - police presence in Fairfax Road, off Mersea Road, as officers undertake inquiriesEmergency - police presence in Fairfax Road, off Mersea Road, as officers undertake inquiries (Image: Essex Police)

A full inquest into Mr Parson’s death was fixed for March 21 next year, while a date for Ms Greer’s has not yet been confirmed.

Area coroner Sonia Hayes offered her “sincere condolences” to the duo’s loved ones at the conclusion of this morning’s hearing.

Tributes posted on social media following their deaths told of “shock” among the community.

Det Insp James Holmes, who is leading the police investigation, previously said he does not believe anyone else was involved in the incident.

Gazette: Hearing - an inquest into Mr Parson's death was opened and adjourned at Essex Coroner's CourtHearing - an inquest into Mr Parson's death was opened and adjourned at Essex Coroner's Court (Image: Archant)

“My thoughts, and those of my team, are with the families and we are working hard to provide them with answers.

“We are making good progress with our investigation and are building a picture of the circumstances which led up to Kelly and Jonathan’s deaths.

“At this stage we do not believe anyone else was involved in the incident and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.”

Mr Holmes appealed to residents with any information which could help his investigation to contact the police.

“I would urge anyone who has any information about the movements of Kelly and Jonathan, or if they saw or heard anything suspicious, in the days leading up to Tuesday to contact us,” he added.