A well-respected lecturer from Norfolk's largest college took his own life while he was undergoing tests to see if he had cancer, an inquest has heard.

Phil Edwards, who taught electrical engineering at City College Norwich, was found in the river Bure at Horstead Mill on July 9, four days after going missing from his home in Old Catton. He was 65.

An inquest into his death was held at Norfolk Coroner's Court on Monday.

The court heard that Mr Edwards had no known history of mental ill health, but may have been fearing a cancer diagnosis at the time.

His wife of 17 years said in a statement that he had previously been diagnosed with testicular cancer in 1996, but had long since been given the all-clear.

However, in the months leading up to his death he had lost around a stone in weight so had been undergoing tests to find the reason for this.

She said: "I feel he may have been worried he may have had cancer again after his experience in 1996.

"He was perhaps worried he could become a burden to his family but I have been left with so many unanswered questions."

The court heard Mr Edwards' GP surgery had carried out tests on him and urgently referred him to the urology department at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital.

Dr Sunil Pinto, of Magdalen Medical Practice, told the court that results of a biopsy had shown what appeared to be a small lesion in his prostate, which may have been carcinoma.

However, it is unknown whether Mr Edwards had been informed of this before his death.

Yvonne Blake, area coroner for Norfolk, concluded that his death had been suicide.

Do you need support? Samaritans can be reached 24/7 on 116 123. The NHS First Response Service is available at all hours on 111 selecting the mental health option.