A man who went missing from his home died in nearby woodland from a shotgun wound.
The body of John Crook was found by a member of the public on June 17 in an area of Thetford Forest near the village of Santon Downham, on the Norfolk-Suffolk border.
The 60-year-old had been reported missing to police two days earlier and officers had conducted searches of the surrounding forest using drones.
An inquest into his death was opened at Norfolk Coroner's Court on Friday.
Coroner Samantha Goward gave Mr Crook's medical cause of death as injuries from a shotgun wound.
READ MORE: Shock as school pupils at Norfolk school shot at from field
The builder was born in Thetford and lived in Santon Downham.
His body was identified by a neighbour of more than 10 years.
A full inquest into his death has been scheduled for December.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel