Death of Croydon man found in wood remains a mystery following inquest (From Croydon Guardian)

Death of Croydon man found in wood remains a mystery following inquest

2:10pm Thursday 2nd September 2010 in

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The death of a man whose decomposing body was found in a Kent wood remains a mystery after a coroner recorded an open verdict this morning.

Forklift truck driver Colin Barnes was discovered dead in a copse at the end of Canal Road, Higham on April 7, some 30 miles from his Croydon home.

Kent police said the 46-year-old's death was not suspicious, but evidence presented to today's inquest in Gravesend said his cause of death remained unknown.

Detective Inspector Melanie Smith told the inquest it was most likely Mr Barnes, who lived in Kimberley Road, died of natural causes.

Coroner Roger Hatch recorded an open verdict.

Did you know Mr Barnes? Contact Mike Didymus on 020 8330 9556 with pictures and tributes, or email them to mdidymus@london.newsquest.co.uk