Conor, 20, died from head injuries after he was struck by car

Conor Wells, 20, died after being hit by a car in Somnes Avenue on Canvey during the early hours of Sunday November 24.

The inquest into his death was opened on Friday morning at Essex Coroners Court in Chelmsford.

The inquest heard a prosecution in connection with the incident is possible.

Marianne Robson, coroner’s personal assistant, said: “Conor Wells died on November 24 in Somnes Avenue on Canvey.

“In the early hours of the morning Conor was in Somnes Avenue when he was struck by a car.

“The ambulance service was called and his death was confirmed at the scene, police also attended and have started an investigation.

“A post mortem examination carried out at Southend Hospital gave a provisional cause of death of head injuries.”

Senior Coroner Caroline Beasley Murray said: “I am opening the inquest touching upon the death of Conor Wells.

“The body has not been released yet and I want a mention for the inquest on February 3.

“I will want to see the toxicology and histology reports and it is very important that I see the police statement and the forensic collision investigation unit report.

“I understand there is a possible prosecution with this case so I am not going to set an inquest date.”

Essex Police were called just before 4.20am on Sunday November 24 to reports a pedestrian had been hit by a Vauxhall Astra in Somnes Avenue, between the junctions with Link Road and Canvey Road.

Somnes Avenue remained closed to traffic throughout the morning.

Traffic congestion persisted in Long Road and Link Road until police lifted the cordon at around 12.30pm.

A 37-year-old man, from Canvey, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving.

He was released under investigation while police enquiries continue.

Outpourings of sympathy on social media included safety concerns about the road.

One witness said: “I actually drove past this incident this morning, there was a taxi driver and two other people with the person.”