An inquest has been opened into the death of a man found in water-filled ditch near Chatteris.  

John Hayden, 36, was found in a ditch along Byall Fen Drove, between Chatteris and Manea, on October 22.  

Simon Milburn, an area coroner for Cambridgeshire and Peterborough, opened Mr Hayden’s inquest yesterday (Thursday) at Lawrence Court, in Huntingdon.  

At the brief hearing, he said: “[John Hayden] was found submerged in water following a road traffic collision.  

“The vehicle in which he was travelling came to a rest in a water filled ditch.  

“His death was confirmed at the scene.”  

A provisional cause of death is yet to be confirmed and Mr Milburn adjourned the case “for a future date to be fixed”.  

Police were unable to confirm if Mr Hayden was the same man found dead in a silver Ford Focus following an armed robbery at Manea Post Office earlier that same evening.  

Sonny Loveridge, 25, of Stretham Station Road, Wilburton, Ely, has been charged with robbery and causing death by dangerous driving in connection with the incident.  

His case has been sent to crown court for trial.