AN inquest was opened after a man was found dead in a car at the bottom of a river.

William Loveridge, 52, of London Road, Maldon, was found in the River Colne at King Edward Quay, Colchester on November 30.

An inquest into his death began on Friday at Essex Coroner’s Court.

Coroner’s officer David Dinnell said: “The 52-year-old was discovered in a car in the mud at King Edward Quay.

“Death was pronounced at 6pm on November 30.

“A forensic post mortem examination was carried out by Dr Ben Swift.”

The results will be released following toxicology reports and at the full inquest to be held on March 2.

The body has now been released to his family.

After emergency services were alerted to a man in a car specialist firefighters carried out an initial search for the silver Ford Focus with thermal imaging and underwater cameras but could not find it.

Coastguards were also called and stood down.

However once the tide lowered again police were able to find the car and pull the body from the car.

The death is not suspicious.