AN INQUEST is expected to be opened on November 3 into the death of a young Christchurch driver killed in a crash on the town's bypass on Friday night.

Matthew Cook, 21, was the sole occupant of the silver Honda Civic car which left the northbound carriageway of the A35 at Somerford and came to rest in a tree-lined ditch.

Firefighters from Christchurch were called to the scene shortly after 11pm to help rescue the injured driver, who was taken by ambulance to the Royal Bournemouth Hospital, where he later died.

A former pupil at Twynham School in Christchurch, Matthew, who lived in Friars Cliff, had worked for the bank JP Morgan since 2002 and was employed as customer service clerk in the derivatives department at the Chaseside complex off Castle Lane.

Company spokeswoman Dorcas Williams said: "Our thoughts and deepest sympathies go out to Matthew's family and friends."

A growing number of floral tributes have been placed at the crash scene by shocked friends, who described Matthew as a popular and witty person.

"Everyone who knew him will be devastated," said one friend.

It is not thought any other vehicle was involved in the accident. The car left the road approximately 500 yards from the Somerford roundabout.

Police have appealed for anyone with information about the accident or who saw the Honda Civic beforehand to call PC Andy Loveless at the Ferndown road policing unit on 01202 222 222.

THE inquest into the death of Darren Anderson, who died when his Jeep plunged into the River Stour at Christchurch, is expected to be opened and adjourned on Thursday November 4 or Friday November 5, say police.

We have been asked to point out that Mr Anderson, of the Watermead development off Willow Way, Christchurch, was 38 and not 40 as the Echo was originally told by the authorities.

First published: November 3