A private hospital patient who died on the A47 had "absconded" from the facility after tailgating one of its nurses as they left, a court has heard.

Lee West was just 20 years old when he died after being struck by two vehicles on the main road close to Postwick.

An inquest into his death is set to be held in front of a jury next month and is expected to last for nine days.

During a preliminary hearing held at Norfolk Coroner's Court, details were heard of the days leading up to the tragic incident.

The court heard that Mr West, who was from Colchester, was being treated at Southern Hill hospital in Mundesley, North Norfolk, after being sectioned under the Mental Health Act. 

Area coroner Samantha Goward told the court that he had been admitted to hospital in Essex and transferred to the private facility, which provides acute psychiatric support, due to a lack of mental health beds in his local area. 

He then spent several days detained at the hospital while receiving care for his mental wellbeing.

But he "absconded" from the hospital and was later struck by two vehicles, some 20 miles away from the hospital.

Ms Goward told the hearing that during the full inquest evidence would be given by a nurse at the hospital who Mr Lee had "followed out of the gate" before the incident.

Following his death, Mr West's father - also named Lee West- paid tribute to his son who he described as a "polite, considerate, sweet person".

He said: "He was so thoughtful and just so special, but he did also have emotional struggles which he was trying to work through.

"This should never have happened - I desperately want justice for my son and am determined to get it."

Mrs Goward adjourned the hearing for a full inquest, which is scheduled to be held from November 20.