The tragic death of a Norwich Lanes antiques dealer sparked an outpouring of grief from his loyal customers, an inquest has heard.

Matthew Wesley died earlier this year in the flat above his shop in St Benedicts Street in the city. He was aged 46.

Mr Wesley, born in Chester, had lived in the city for a decade, where he ran his eponymous business - which sold and lovingly restored precious antiques, particularly clocks. 

An inquest into his death heard that he had been discovered unresponsive in the flat by his father on February 4 after he did not arrive for a planned Sunday lunch at the Wig and Pen pub.

After finding the property locked, Peter Wesley was able to gain access through a window using a ladder, where he tragically found that his son had died.

During the hearing at Norfolk Coroner's Court, his parents described how his death had rocked his many customers, who thought highly of him.

Ann Wesley, his mother, said: "Everybody that knew him was coming to the shop and breaking into tears because he was such a lovely human being."

She added that a week before his death he had visited them at his home and had spoken passionately for several hours about a book he had read and an old film he had watched.

His father added: "There was no obvious indication he was depressed."

Yvonne Blake, area coroner for Norfolk, said: "I know he was a very clever and popular antiques restorer and was a very bright young man."

She added that it was most likely that he had acted on the "spur of the moment".

He concluded that Mr Wesley had taken his own life, but that it appeared to be an "impulsive act which was not thought through".

  • Do you need support? Samaritans can be reached 24/7 by calling 116 123. The NHS First Response Service is also available on 111 option 2.
  • To pay tribute to a loved one, email norfolkobituaries@newsquest.co.uk
  • To read all obituaries and tributes join the Facebook group Norfolk's Loved & Lost.