A post-mortem examination was unable to ascertain why a retired seaman died alone in his home.

Robert Goffin, of Nelson Road, Caister, died on April 27 at the age of 70, discovered by his brother and police after neighbours grew concerned about his whereabouts.

An inquest into is death heard that no medical cause of death could be given, though his arteries had narrowed to just 40pc capacity.

Evidence provided by his son told how he had become increasingly reclusive following the death of his wife in November 1998, and had turned to alcohol in his heartache.

Emma Goffin, his daughter-in-law, said: 'We tried very hard on numerous occasions to help him.

'My husband feels guilty we could not have done more, but he never accepted his issues.'

Giving a narrative verdict, area coroner Yvonne Blake said: 'It has not been possible to find a cause of his death.'