Missing man's death unexplained, says coroner

Martyn Richardson was last seen leaving a party in Bocking on 24 August

The death of a man who was found in a river nearly three months after being reported missing remains unexplained, a coroner has concluded.

Police and rescue volunteers searched for Martyn Richardson after he was last seen at a family birthday party at Bocking Village Hall, near Braintree in Essex, on 24 August 2024.

The body of the 27-year-old, who had Asperger's syndrome, was found nearby in the River Blackwater on 16 November that year.

On Thursday, Essex area coroner Michelle Brown said the cause of death was still unascertained and she recorded an open conclusion.

Police divers searched the nearby River Blackwater, before eventually finding Mr Richardson's body

Ms Brown said the light was fading at the time of his disappearance, which was at about 20:30 BST .

A report provided by a detective inspector said Mr Richardson most likely "stumbled" into the river and shouted for help.

A nearby resident reported having heard a male shouting at the time.

Essex Police previously said it studied 900 different pieces of footage, to try piecing together his movements.

Search and rescue teams spent 700 hours looking for Mr Richardson and covered an area of 176 hectares.

Essex Coroner's Court was told Mr Richardson had been known to mental health services, although there had been no recent involvement.

Martyn Richardson had been in "good spirits" at the family party, his uncle said

Family members made several emotional appeals for Mr Richardson's return before his body was found.

He had lived with his grandmother Mary Richardson, in Braintree, since the age of one and in September 2024 she said his disappearance was "very out of character".

Mr Richardson's uncle, Lee Richardson, said his nephew had been in "good spirits" at the party at Bocking Village Hall.