Dead pair found in back of Fiat

Police are linking the deaths to the disappearance of Derick Tempest

Two men were found dead in the back of a Fiat car at their garage workshop in Norfolk, an inquest has heard.

James Hall, 60, and Andrew Ventham, 49, were found at the garage in Camden Place, Great Yarmouth, on 2 November.

Police are linking the deaths to the disappearance of Derick Tempest, 30, of Great Yarmouth, who vanished shortly after visiting the men.

Coroner Keith Dowding said the bodies would not be released for a funeral until more tests had taken place.

The BBC has learnt that initial tests point to carbon monoxide poisoning.

More tests

Mr Hall and Mr Ventham, both of Queens Road in Great Yarmouth, were found dead on 2 November, the inquest in the town was told.

At 1300 GMT, a friend went to visit Mr Hall and Mr Ventham at their workplace, which was locked.

After forcing entry he found them in a Fiat car.

Emergency services were called and attempts were made to resuscitate the men, but they were pronounced dead at the scene.

Interim death certificates will be provided to the family, but the bodies will not be released until the results of the toxicology tests are known.

Pathologist Benjamin Swift said the cause of death had yet to be ascertained.

The men's deaths are being linked to the disappearance of Mr Tempest, who was last seen near the garage five days earlier.

Officers are continuing to search the garage premises run by Mr Hall.

The inquest is due to resume in January.