AN inquest has been opened into the death of a retired research scientist who was found in a ditch on the roadside during an organised cycle ride on Dartmoor.

Oliver Robinson, of Mount Madford, Launceston, Cornwall, was taking part in the ride when he was discovered on the B3212 at Shapley Common near Moretonhampstead on Sunday May 12. 

The senior Devon coroner Philip Spinney said there was no medical cause of death and no suspicious circumstances.

 A full inquest will be held later into the death of 56 year old Mr Robinson who was born in Taunton, Somerset.