AN INQUEST has been opened into the death of a man was found in the River Ribble.

The body of David Young, whose disappearance prompted a massive search operation, was discovered on the bank of the river close to Avenham Park in Preston, by a walker last week.

The opening of the inquest yesterday at Blackburn Coroner’s office heard how the 28 year old, of no fixed address, was due to visit his sister on October 19 but never showed up.

Coroner Michael Singleton said that initial findings show that his cause of death is consistent with drowning.

The inquest is due to be reopened after toxicology and histology tests are carried out.