Accidental death verdict over river drowning

Harry Hull-Merrick had entered the river at Ironbridge in December last year

The death of a man whose body was found in the River Severn has been recorded as accidental.

Harry Hull-Merrick, 36, from Telford, Shropshire, was found dead in the river at Holt Fleet Bridge in Worcester on 4 February, an inquest heard.

He had entered the river at Ironbridge in Shropshire on 8 December last year, the inquest heard, and the medical cause of death was given as drowning,

After his disappearance, a search was delayed due to a combination of the swollen river, fast currents and weather conditions which made some parts of the Severn inaccessible until about a week later, West Mercia Police said.

Canoes, drones and helicopters were used in the search.

The inquest, led by assistant coroner for Shropshire Heath Westerman, also heard there had been no evidence of Mr Hull-Merrick going into the river with an intention to self harm.