A body discovered in a river was that of a man who had been missing for several weeks.

John Metson, of The Street, Bradwell, was discovered in the River Blackwater, off East Street in Coggeshall, at 11.30am on Thursday.

He had been missing for more than a month and was last seen on September 28 holding a container, as though he were going blackberry-picking.

Police confirmed today that the body found in the river was that of the 64-year-old.

Insp Neil Murray, of Witham police, said: "We extend our sympathies to the family of Mr Metson. There are no suspicious circumstances surrounding his death."

Mr Metson leaves behind his family, including wife Maggie, daughter Sarah, and sisters Cherry, Bunty and Ann.

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