Man found dead at Oldham nature reserve inquest opens

The body of 43-year-old Benn Warburton was discovered at Snipe Clough Nature Reserve on February 23 after a construction worker spotted him in woodland near Thatcher Street. Emergency services rushed to the scene but were unable to revive him.

An inquest into Mr Warburton's death opened at Rochdale Coroners' Court on March 12, where police confirmed there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death. The court heard he was a labourer living on Honeywell Lane and was single at the time.

Assistant coroner Matthew Cox adjourned the inquest to April 16, requesting Mr Warburton's GP records and any information about mental health services he may have been receiving. The coroner's officer told the court that CPR was administered at the scene but Mr Warburton was pronounced dead where he was found.

Greater Manchester Police had earlier stated they responded to a concern for welfare call at around 9.15am on February 23. The nature reserve, a popular green space in Oldham, became the scene of this tragic discovery that has left the local community saddened.