An inquest has been opened into the death of a man found in a rural stream in north Norfolk.

Eastern Daily Press: Norfolk's coroner William Armstrong.Norfolk's coroner William Armstrong. (Image: Archant)

Anthony Howard, 49, was discovered by a fisherman between Erpingham and Calthorpe, near Aylsham, at around 8.30pm on Sunday.

At an inquest in Norwich yesterday, Norfolk coroner William Armstrong said Mr Howard, of no fixed abode, had been reported missing after failing to attend an appointment with North Norfolk District Council on July 19.

'He was last seen alive at 10am the previous day,' said Mr Armstrong. 'His body was found in the river near Erpingham during the evening of Sunday, August 11.'

The cause of Mr Howard's death has not yet been confirmed and toxicology tests are being carried out, though there are not believed to be any suspicious circumstances, said Mr Armstrong.

Mr Howard was often seen in areas of north Norfolk, Broadland and Norwich.