AN INQUEST has been opened into the death of a man who died after being hit by a car in Southampton.

Simon James Poole, of Manchester Road, Sway, was hit by a BMW X5 while he was walking along Town Quay just before 10.40pm on December 16.

The 47-year-old was taken to Southampton General Hospital, but he was pronounced dead the same night as a result of the injuries he suffered.

Senior coroner Christopher Wilkinson opened an inquest into the death at Winchester Coroner’s Court.

A post mortem was carried out by Dr Vipul Foria and gave a cause of death as multiple injuries following a road traffic incident.

Mr Wilkinson adjourned the inquest and a full hearing will be heard on June 12, next year.

The driver of the BMW X5, a 39-year-old man from Southampton, was arrested on suspicion of causing death by careless driving.

Town Quay was closed off in both directions by police cars.

Around five police cars and a number of ambulances arrived at the scene just be 11pm.

A witness at the scene saw emergency service vehicles arriving from his balcony.

He said: "I didn't see a lot but suddenly police cars were screaming in from everywhere.

"I saw so many police and a lorry was there so I wondered what had happened.

"A police car blocked the junctions to stop cars coming onto the road.

"The pavement wasn't closed off so people were walking past.

"In the dark you don't see a lot."

Police are investigating and any witnesses can contact police on 101.