A WIDOW has expressed her thanks to the people who stopped and helped her husband as he lay dying in the street.

Simon Makombe, 57, from Chafford Hundred, was found unconscious on the pavement in London Road, Grays, with severe head and facial injuries, at about 1.15am on Saturday, July 7.

Three men who were passing by spotted Mr Makombe, called the emergency services. Two stayed with him, while a third man flagged down an ambulance.

Mr Makombe was taken to Basildon Hospital by ambulance, but sadly died from his injuries.

Widow Sallie Makombe, 50, believes her husband may have been drinking and sustained his injuries after a fall. She is hoping the inquest into his death may provide answers in four months time.

She said: “Simon had been struggling with depression for many years, as he could not find work, but he did not want to accept there was a problem.

“We would like to thank the people who called the police and ambulance. It is a comfort someone was with him. ”