POLICE have launched a murder inquiry following the death yesterday of a man who was found with serious head injuries in Chingford on August 16.

He collapsed outside a fast food restaurant called Chicks Chicken and Pizza in Station Road at around 2.35am after a call from a member of the public.

The 36-year-old, identified as Jonathan Brady from Hemel Hempstead, believed to be a single man with no children, was taken to Whipps Cross Hospital and later transferred to Queens Square Hospital suffering from head injuries and bleeding to his brain. He died there.

A post mortem was held today at Walthamstow mortuary and police await results.

An inquest will open and adjourn at Walthamstow Coroner's Court in due course.

A spokesman said: "We are keeping an open mind regarding motive but it appears the victim and a male friend, believed to be in his 30s, had been socialising in the Chingford area before going into The Chicken Shop.

"While inside, the victim and his friend became involved in a verbal argument with three other men, believed to be customers, who left shortly afterwards.

"When Jonathan and his friend left they were assaulted outside.

"They were punched and kicked. Jonathan fell to the ground where the assault continued. The suspects - believed to be the three men involved in the earlier argument - ran off in the direction of Kings Head Hill. Jonathan's friend did not need hospital treatment."

There is no description of the attackers at this stage.

An incident room has opened at Hendon under DCI Nicola Wall from the Homicide and Serious Crime Command.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or has any information is asked to contact detectives at the Incident Room on 020 8358 0400 or to remain anonymous call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.