'If' the crank has snapped, which from what you've posted so far doesn't seem likely - because a) you've not mentioned uneven cranking speed, b) the timing belt wouldn't be turning, or not evenly, c) you've mentioned that the timing belt has been checked by others.I agree but I'm still niggled by the easy start thing .
No I turned the engine over with the viscous fan tbh. So when the crank snaps its not totally obvious? I just presumed it crank had snapped then the crak pulley wouldn't turn.
Take the engine cooling fan off (36mm spanner and a copper mallet), turn the crank by hand, checking for smooth turning and a easy return when released under compression. if either of those checks fail, it's likely picked up or spun a shell. If not, carry on with diag.
I'm not too worried by the easy-start issue - firstly, it may not be spinning fast enough, secondly, easy start does 'age'.