A CLAY pigeon shooting enthusiast who was “incredibly safe” with guns died from a shotgun wound to his ribcage, an inquest heard.

Frederick Savill was found by his wife, Anita, in the garage of their home in Browning Road, Braintree.

The 71-year-old, who used to go on shoots with his daughter, Kelly Parr, had just returned from holiday when he died on June 1.

He spoke to his daughter that morning. A gunshot was heard by a neighbour at 5.30pm. His wife found his body when she returned from work.

Police were called and Insp Paul Davey found Mr Savill on top of a gun.

Mrs Parr said: “My dad was incredibly safe with guns and cartridges.

“Cartridges were always kept out of reach. They were never anywhere near the guns.

“He had been shooting for 20 years and was incredibly particular about gun safety.”

Assistant deputy coroner Eleanor McGann asked Mrs Parr if there was any reason her father would load the gun to check if it was working.

Mrs Parr said he would not do that.

Mr Davey said there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding Mr Savill’s death.

The inquest, at Chelmsford Coroner’s Court, heard the retired transport manager had undergone a sudden and serious weight loss, but his GP ruled out an undiagnosed medical condition.

Mrs McGann said she could not be sure Mr Savill committed suicide because he had not left a note.

She recorded an open verdict.