Drowned man in Shrewsbury's River Severn took clothes off and walked into water, inquest told

Thomas Bebbington was seen swimming close to a tow path in Shrewsbury, a hearing was told.

But a witness told how he "disappeared almost immediately" in the river close to the Dana Steps.

Evidence was given at the opening of the inquest, held at Shrewsbury Shirehall.

Shropshire Coroner, John Ellery, was told of known events leading to the death of the 22-year-old, of Castle Foregate, Shrewsbury.

Mr Ellery heard a statement from coroner's officer, Michael Caesar-Homden, which described how a witness had seen Mr Bebbington removing clothing and walking into the water at around 7.30pm on November 10.

Mr Bebbington's body was found at around 12.30pm on the edge of the River Severn at land close to Leighton Hall, on December 6, some 10 miles downriver from where he had disappeared.

The coroner heard that he was found wearing sports shorts, which were consistent with the clothing he was wearing when he was last seen.

Paramedic Richard Farrington confirmed the man was dead and DNA tests were used to confirm it was in fact Mr Bebbington.

Forensic analysis revealed that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death but despite a post mortem no cause of death has yet been identified.

The inquest was adjourned and a full hearing will now take place Shirehall, Shrewsbury, on March 17.

During the widespread search for Mr Bebbington, teams from West Mercia Police were joined by Shropshire Fire and Rescue, the National Police Air Service, Severn Area Rescue Association and underwater search teams.

Extensive searches had been made of the river from the railway bridge to the weir at Castlefields and beyond to Atcham, as well as on land. Specialist equipment had also been brought in.

Footpaths leading to the towpath which runs alongside the river were closed off with police tape while investigations took place.

Mr Bebbington had regularly attended The Ark in Shrewsbury, a charity which provides support for the homeless and vulnerable.

Last week it shared a poignant piece Mr Bebbington had written explaining the importance of the charity.

In it he said: "Each person that volunteers, even if it's just once a month, they all bring something, their own thing, their personality the way they are with people, the way they talk, their knowledge.

"I've been to other day centres and this place is different. Some places you're only allowed to stay or have a meal if you sign up to certain programmes etc. But if you're homeless and tired you might not be able to focus on things like that but you still need food, this place isn't like that, they don't make you jump through a hoops - if you're homeless, or in need, you're welcome."