Police believe a man whose body was found in a river in Witham drowned.

Following the opening of the inquest into the death of Bradley Lewis, 25, on Friday, Essex Police have released a provisional cause of death.

The post-mortem examination found this to be drowning.

Mr Lewis’ death is being treated as unexplained and detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding what happened Essex Police are keen to in hear from anyone who may have information about Mr Lewis’ movements prior to his death.

A spokesman said: “We are specifically interested in speaking to anyone who may have seen Mr Lewis around the Chipping Hill area between 7pm on Thursday, February 22 and the morning of Friday, February 23.

“Anyone who has information which they think can aid enquiries is asked to contact the West Major Crime Team on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”

The inquest into Mr Lewis’ death opened on Thursday, March 1. The full inquest has been set for Friday, July 9.