Man who died at country ford named by coroner

Shotesham Ford is about 8 miles (13 km) south of Norwich

A man who died when his car crashed at a ford on a country lane has been named by a coroner.

A red Toyota Yaris was discovered by Norfolk police at Shotesham Ford on Mill Lane, near Newton Flotman, on 14 December.

Barry Howard, 75, a retired company director from Norwich, was pronounced dead at the scene.

At the opening of his inquest at Norfolk Coroners' Court, area coroner Samantha Goward said the medical cause of death was drowning.

Police said no other vehicles were involved in the crash, but that officers were keen to hear from anyone who might have seen the car travelling between Trowse and Shotesham Saint Mary.

Shotesham Ford, which crosses the River Tas, has been closed to non-emergency traffic since Mr Howard's death.

Norfolk County Council said it would remain closed until 3 January for safety purposes.

A full inquest into Mr Howard's death will take place on 16 July.