The inquest into the death of a 23-year-old who went missing before being found dead in Orsett has opened.

Lee Evans from Stanford-le-Hope died on August 14 after being found in a wooded area near the A128, Orsett.

Police had issued an appeal to the public asking for help to find him after he went missing the previous day as officers and family were concerned for his welfare.

Sadly Essex Police eventually suspended the search after his body was found.

The inquest opened at Chelmsford Coroner's Court on Monday.

It established that Lee was known to mental health officials and was last seen on August 13 before later being reported missing.

He was found hanging in the Orsett Woodland and police said there are no suspicious circumstances.

An initial post mortem gave a cause of death as hanging.

Senior County Coroner Caroline Beasley Murray said: “I know that he was known by mental health officials but I will need to know more about that, how well he was known and when he last saw the officials.

“I want to know if there is going to be a serious incident investigation and also need to see the police report.

“The family can also be invited to write something.”

The inquest was adjourned until November 16.

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