A MAN was found in a lake after leaving home and saying he was going to work, an inquest has heard.

The inquest into the death Benjamin Andreas, 31, from Westcliff was opened at Essex Coroner’s Court in Chelmsford this morning.

The hearing was told he was found unresponsive in a lake in Hadleigh on July 28.

Coroner’s Officer Rachel Coleman said: “I am opening the inquest into the death of Benjamin Andreas from Westcliff who died on July 28 at a place in Hadleigh.

“He was last seen on July 22 with a shopping bag and he said he was going to work. On July 28 he was found unresponsive face down in a lake. The ambulance was called and death was confirmed and police have confirmed there are no suspicious circumstances.

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“A post-mortem examination was carried out and a provisional cause of death was given of 1A awaiting histology and toxicology reports.”

Sean Horstead, area coroner for Essex, said: “I am satisfied this case required an inquest and officially open the inquest into the death. There are a number of outstanding matters and we are waiting histology and toxicology reports and a final post mortem examination.

“I will give a date for a full inquest of May 12 2023 and I think it’s very likely this could be brought forward and it could be documentary inquest. I offer my sincerest condolences to the family.”