Richard Parram, 82, was found collapsed near the Green Man Interchange on 21st January

Green Man Roundabout, Credit: Google Streetview

A full inquest has been ordered into the death of an elderly man who was found with stab wounds in Leytonstone last month.

Richard Parram, 82, was found collapsed while wearing a suit in the Green Man Interchange off Leytonstone High Road at around 12pm on 21st January.

Despite efforts from officers and paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene.

According to the Romford Recorder, police concluded his injuries were self-inflicted but a pathologist later could not confirm the stab wounds were what had killed him.

At a pre-inquest hearing on 5th February at East London Coroner’s Court senior east London coroner Graeme Irvine reportedly said a post-mortem examination had found “ambiguity in relation to the cause of death”.

He added: “At the current time, no precise cause of death has been arrived at.

“However, the pathologist has confirmed that there were penetrating injuries on the deceased which are likely to have been a contributing factor in death. Given those circumstances, I will open an inquest.”

The court also heard that a passer-by had found Richard “laying in a foetal position, dressed smartly in a suit”.

Irvine declared Richard’s family “interested persons” which allows them to question any witnesses that have been called to testify in the court, and scrutinise any evidence ahead of the inquest, which is set for July.

Richard’s family were also asked to write a statement including “details of his mental and physical health” and “any concerns” they had about his death.

Irvine also ordered the disclosure of his medical records and details of any mental health treatment he had received.

Samaritans is available 365 days, 24/7. Call for free on 116 123, or visit www.samaritans.org

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