A PENSIONER who died after he was allegedly assaulted in a care home has been named.

Brendan Smyth, 70, died in hospital three days after an altercation at Regent House in Wellesley Road, Clacton, sparking a murder investigation.

An inquest into his death has been opened and adjourned.

The inquest heard Mr Smyth was in the home because he had a background of schizophrenia.

Regent House provides accommodation for up to 23 people with mental health needs whose primary needs are for emotional support and care.

The alleged assault by another resident happened on February 10 but details were only released this week.

The following day Mr Smyth was taken to Addenbrooke’s Hospital, in Cambridge, but died on February 13.

A forensic post mortem gave the provisional cause of death as a fractured spine.

Management at Regent House have declined to comment.

Police had bailed a 63-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murder while the investigation continues.