An inquest has failed to discover the cause of a death of a Beccles man who was found in the River Waveney 10 days after he was last seen alive.

Mark Pease, 33, was reported missing on October 12, but was not seen again until a husband and wife found his body near Aldeby.

Yesterday an inquest in Norwich heard from 14 witnesses about Mr Pease's life and health, but his cause of death was recorded as unascertained.

The inquest heard that Mr Pease, who lived in a flat in Noel's Walk for those with 'severe and enduring mental health issues', was diagnosed with bipolar, anxiety and personality disorder, but had medication to help him.

The inquest heard that he had suffered with alcohol and gambling problems, past overdoses and problems in his relationship. He had also been profoundly affected by his brother Robbie's suicide 16 months earlier, but a statement from girlfriend Shannon Rivers said that he had told her that he would 'never do that or put his dad through that again'.

Deputy coroner Jacqueline Lake said she did not know whether he entered the river accidentally or deliberately.

'The medical cause of death is not known and in view of all the unknown factors surrounding his death, I will record his cause of death as unascertained as there is insufficient evidence to allow a reliable conclusion to be reached,' she said.

Speaking afterwards his older brother Jamie Pease, 37, of London, said: 'It is obviously frustrating for the family that we do not know the cause of death and the whole situation is very sad. But as a family we take great comfort that he is at peace now and as a family we can move on.'