A MAN aged 61 died after apparently falling into the road and colliding with an oncoming sports car in Alcombe.

Patrick Robert Anderson, who suffered from epilepsy, is understood to have left his home in Premier Court, Alcombe Road, to walk his dog just minutes before the tragedy happened.

The accident, believed to have involved a Porsche, occurred shortly before 6.30pm last Thursday, close to the junction with Manor Road and almost opposite Alcombe Village Hall.

An ambulance was called and Mr Anderson was treated at the scene by paramedics, but died later.

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset police said Mr Anderson was walking along a narrow footpath when he was reported to have lost his footing and fallen into the road.

Officers from the force's collision investigation unit have launched an appeal for witnesses and are keen to hear from anyone who may have been in the area at the time of the incident to contact them.

An inquest into Mr Anderson's death was opened and adjourned to a date to be fixed by West Somerset coroner Michael Rose on Tuesday.

The results of a post mortem revealed that the primary cause of death was traumatic injuries due to a motor vehicle accident.

In addition to suffering from epilepsy, Mr Anderson had diabetes, hypertension and chronic obstructive airways disease, which were listed as secondary causes.

The driver of the vehicle involved in the collision, a local man, is understood to have suffered shock but was unhurt.

Anyone with information on the accident is asked to contact the police on 0845 4567000.