AN INQUEST has been opened into the death of a Hereford man whose body was recovered from the River Wye in Monmouth.

Austin Brookes, 72, was recovered by Gwent Police from the River Wye by Bigsweir Bridge, near Llandogo, Monmouthshire, on March 6 with the assistance of the fire service.

Senior Gwent Coroner David Bowen said that Mr Brookes was the subject of a missing person report made by his family on December 23 last year.

A post mortem examination was carried out and Mr Bowen is awaiting the results of histology tests.

Mr Bowen adjourned the inquest and transferred the main hearing to Hereford coroner for the convenience of the family and witnesses.