An inquest into the death of a student who went missing almost three years ago has been opened after a body part was found on a beach.

Last year, Norfolk Police confirmed that a body part found on Winterton beach belonged to previously missing man Pawel Martyniak. 

The 21-year-old, from Carrel Road in Gorleston, was last seen in the area on November 30, 2021, after disappearing from his hometown. 

Despite extensive checks and searches, he could not be traced. 

Pawel Martyniak (right) with his father, AndrePawel Martyniak (right) with his father, Andre (Image: Supplied by Martyniak family)

An inquest into his death was opened at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, based at County Hall in Norwich, on July 2.   

It came after a body part was linked to Mr Martyniak following forensic examination. 

Mr Martyniak’s death was not believed to be suspicious, and police would not identify what part of the body was found.  

His date of death was confirmed as March 22, 2023. 

Senior coroner Jacqueline Lake said: “Histopathologist Benjamin Swift said the medical cause of death was 'unascertained (decomposed and incomplete)'.” 

Pawel Martyniak went missing in November 2021 Pawel Martyniak went missing in November 2021 (Image: Supplied by Martyniak family)

Mr Martyniak was born in Poland on January 29, 2000. 

He moved to the UK in 2004 and studied at Notre Dame High School in Norwich and East Norfolk Sixth Form College.    

He later attended the University of Essex to study business but decided to leave midway through his first year.     

He spent much of his time at home reading philosophy, attending St Peter's Catholic Church in Gorleston and was also a lifeguard during the summer holidays in Hemsby.  

In November 2022, Mr Martyniak's father, Andre, said: "This has been the most heartbreaking and challenging year of our lives.     

"We think about him and miss him every passing day." 

An inquest to determine the official cause of death will take place early next year, with a pre-inquest hearing due to take place in November. 

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