An inquest has been opened into the death of a retired carpenter whose body was recovered from the river Wensum at a popular city park.

John Mitchell died in the river close to Wensum Park in Norwich on August 25 this year, a short distance from his home in Tanners Court. 

An inquest opened into the 72-year-old's death at Norfolk Coroner's Court in County Hall this week.

During a short hearing, assistant coroner Johanna Thompson confirmed that Mr Mitchell had been born in Portsmouth but lived in the city.

She added that he was a retired carpenter and the medical cause of his death was drowning.

She said: "On August 25, police were called to reports of a body found in the Wensum.

"Mr Mitchell was taken from the water but sadly, was deceased."

The report was made shortly after 6pm that Sunday, which sparked a police cordon to be put in place at the park while a search was carried out. 

Mrs Thompson adjourned the hearing for a full inquest, which has been scheduled to be held on January 31 next year.