An inquest has opened into the death of a "gentle, intelligent" cartoonist who died after falling into the river Wensum.

Howard Clarke, known as Howie, died in hospital after he had to be pulled from the river close to Norwich's Riverside entertainment complex in January this year.

Two months after his death, on January 5, an inquest was opened into his death at Norfolk Coroner's Court.

It heard the 68-year-old, who was born and lived in Norwich, had fallen into the river opposite the TGI Friday's in Wherry Way.

He was then taken to the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, where he died later that day.

Folllowing his death, his two sisters described his love of singing, playing guitar and stand-up comedy.

They said: "We will greatly miss his sense of humour and hope our gentle, intelligent and kind brother is now finally at peace."

He worked as a freelance cartoonist and was published in the Spectator and the Oldie.

Area coroner Samantha Goward adjourned the hearing, with reports due to be prepared by mental health services. 

A full inquest into his death is due to be held on September 11, lasting two days.

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