A man reported as missing died just three days after moving into new supported living accommodation, a court has heard.

John Thurston's body was found in the river Ouse near King's Lynn in June following an extensive police search using drones. He was 70 years old.

An inquest into his death was opened at Norfolk Coroner's Court on Wednesday, during which details about Mr Thurston were given.

During the short hearing, coroner Johanna Thompson confirmed that his death on June 15 came three days after he had moved into a supported living home in Portland Street in King's Lynn.

Previously, he had lived in Upwell, between Wisbech and Downham Market, and was born in Bournemouth.

Mrs Thompson said: "He had moved into new supported accommodation on June 12 and two days later staff checked on him at 8am to see that he was not there.

"His bed did not appear to have been slept in and CCTV showed him leaving the previous evening at 10.53pm.

"He was reported as missing and police carried out a search, deploying a drone, and were able to find him, but he was sadly deceased."

The court was told his body was discovered on June 15, in the river Ouse off Wisbech Road.

After he was reported as missing, Norfolk Police made a public appeal for support in locating him, with a reported sighting made around 11.15pm on June 13.

Following the discovery of his body, police confirmed that his death was not being treated as suspicious.

Mrs Thompson adjourned the case for a full inquest, which is due to be held in January next year.

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