An inquest has been opened into the death of a 31-year-old man whose body was tragically discovered in a river.

Alfonsas Vicius was found face down in a shallow section of the Great Stour near Stonebridge Road, Canterbury, on Sunday, October 16.

Speaking at County Hall, Maidstone, coroner Patricia Harding recorded that Mr Vicius was originally from Lithuania and had no fixed abode, but resided in the Canterbury area.

Police identified his body at about midday on Sunday.

Ms Harding said that muddy footprints were found three metres downstream.

Police have also launched an investigation into his death, urging anyone who was in the area at the time to come forward.

A spokesman for the force said: "An investigation is being carried out to establish the circumstances surrounding the man’s death, which is currently being treated as unexplained.

"Detectives would particularly like to speak to anyone who was in the area between 3pm and 6pm the previous day, Saturday, October 15, and saw two men together."

Anyone with information is urged to call the appeal line on 01843 222289, quoting reference 46/199995/22.

Mr Vicius' cause of death was recorded as immersion.

The inquest has been adjourned until 10am on Monday, March 27 at Maidstone County Hall.