Members of the public watched in horror as a retired taxi driver’s car went over a cliff, an inquest has heard.

The 58-year-old who died in the tragedy at Kingsdown, near Deal, was today named as Glyn Kirk from Dover.

The shocking incident sparked a huge emergency services response last month, with police, fire crews, ambulances and the coastguard called out.

Today, an inquest into Mr Kirk’s death was opened at County Hall in Maidstone.

Sarah Clarke, area coroner for North East Kent, said that members of the public had seen a vehicle go over the cliff at Kingsdown on Sunday, May 28. The car ended up on the beach below.

The victim was identified by police as Mr Kirk, a former cabbie who lived in Folkestone Road, Dover.

A post-mortem examination found that he had died from head injuries. Police had previously said he was confirmed dead at the scene.

The inquest was adjourned for a full hearing to take place at 11.30am on Monday, August 7.

Following the incident, police said that the death was not being treated as suspicious.

A Coastguard spokesman said rescue teams from Deal, Folkestone and Langdon Battery were called out after the alarm was raised at 2.55pm.

The air ambulance was also sent to the scene. The Coastguard search and rescue helicopter was despatched from Lydd, but later stood down and returned to base.

Residents had told KentOnline how they saw emergency services at the beach area.

Staff at The Kings Head pub in Upper Street spotted police heading towards Kingsdown at about 3.40pm.

Maidstone resident William Bungay was visiting family when he saw the emergency services response.

He said: "We got there at about 3.30pm and a lady walking the other way told us a car had gone over the cliff.

"The air ambulance and fire engines left just before 4.30pm. The coastguard, police, and ambulance were there too.”

Kent Fire and Rescue Service says it sent three engines to the scene before crews left at 4.15pm.