A MAN working on a building site on the edge of Southampton is thought to have died from “crush injuries to the chest”, it has been revealed.

The inquest into the death of 64-year-old city resident Kulwant Singh Athwal opened at Winchester Coroner’s Court yesterday morning.

As previously reported, a police investigation was launched into the death of Mr Athwal, of Spring Crescent, Portswood, after his body was found on a building site in Ling Dale, on the edge of Bassett on the morning of July 16.

According to residents, he had been working at a house which was undergoing extensive building work.

As part of the investigation, police arrested a 49-year-old man on suspicion of corporate manslaughter. He has since been released while the investigation continues.

In a report to the coroner, Home Office forensic pathologist Dr Basil Purdue gave a preliminary cause of death as “crush injuries to the chest”.

Senior coroner Grahame Short adjourned the inquest to February 2, 2020, although that date could be affected by the ongoing police investigation.

Speaking after Mr Athwal’s body was found, a neighbour said the property where the body was found is currently unoccupied. A tradesman working at a neighbouring property said: “I could hear work going on and then it was silent. An ambulance came down at 9am with sirens blazing then minutes later four police cars arrived. They were here all day.”

A police spokesperson confirmed they have been liaising with the Health and Safety Executive.