Shrine created in Winchester city centre in memory of dad's rights campaigner Haydn Burton

Supporters of Haydn Burton, who died days after he was found unconscious in Winchester prison, have been leaving tributes an flowers outside an empty shop in the city centre.

It comes just days after an inquest into the death of the 42-year-old New Fathers 4 Justice campaigner was opened following his unexpected death.

Senior coroner for central Hampshire Graham Short opened the inquest last Thursday and adjourned it to a date to be fixed.

Tributes have been written on a whiteboard outside the shop in the High Street, between Cath Kidston and Lloyds Bank.

Shoppers on Saturday were stopping to read it, including one from his grandmother that said: “God bless you my angel x”.

Other messages included: “RIP Brother”, “How many more innocent people have to die in police custody before the government does something?” and “Haydn ‘Superdad’ flying with angels. In our hearts forever, Mum xxx”.

The board has already been painted over twice and in an open letter to Winchester City Council his supporters are urging for it to remain in place.

The letter said: “Please show some respect for the dead by not white-washing over or removing any of these heartfelt messages for Haydn.”

As previously reported, Mr Burton was a member of New Fathers 4 Justice and was campaigning to highlight children’s rights including secret family courts.

He had become a well-known figure in Winchester over recent months for campaigning across the city dressed as Superman with a loud hailer.

He also protested outside Southampton Civic Centre and during the general election at prime minister David Cameron’s constituency in Witney.

Mr Burton, formerly of Wolfe Close, Stanmore, was being held on remand at the prison facing an allegation of assault.

He was also due to be sentenced at crown court for possession of an offensive weapon, criminal damage to a police cell, and breach of a criminal behaviour order by being anti-social.

He was found hanging in his prison cell by prison officers on July 18 and rushed to the Royal Hampshire County Hospital, where he later died.

It is thought there is a shrine to him in London created by members of New Fathers 4 Justice.

A statement on the New Fathers 4 Justice website said: “We are deeply shocked and saddened by this news."

“Putting vulnerable people in prison is, in part, further victimising people who are in most need.”

A Facebook group called ‘Justice for Haydn Burton’ has attracted 541 members.

Winchester MP Steve  Brine said: "Like all MPs I carry out casework for constituents in total confidence and there is also now, rightly, an inquest in this case as with every death in prison. It would not therefore be appropriate to comment further."