The cause of death for a man who was found face down in a river remains unknown, an inquest heard.

Gary Stapley, an electrical engineer who was born in Gravesend, was pulled from the River Medway on Sunday, June 7.

The 46-year-old was last seen four days before his body was discovered by a member of the public at Rochester Cruising Club.

An inquest opening at Maidstone's Archbishop's Palace heard how Mr Stapley, of Leaman Close, High Halstow, had been involved in an argument with his partner before being told to leave by her son.

The court heard how he had taken his partner's car, which was found on Medway Bridge with a note inside.

Police launched a search along the Borstal and Cuxton stretches of the river, assisted by a police helicopter, but his body was found days after he went missing.

Officers were able to identify him by a unique tattoo and picture provided by the family.

His cause of death was not ascertained and a full inquest will resume in Maidstone on a date and location to be confirmed.

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