The cause of death of a popular Ashford man found in a river remains a mystery.

The opening of the inquest into the death of Mark Worsfold today revealed that the results of his post mortem are “pending analysis”.

Speaking at Folkestone Magistrates Court, assistant coroner Christine Freedman said Mr Worsfold, 50, of Kingsnorth Road, South Ashford, was found in the River Stour in Ashford on Sunday, February 21.

Emergency crews, including police, paramedics and the water safety unit, were all called to East Hill, after a passer-by saw a body in the stream.

Officers cordoned off the road between the Star Inn pub and the corner of Mace Lane while divers entered the river.

Mr Worsfold was pulled from the water and his death was confirmed by paramedics at 10.45am.

Police say it is not being treated as suspicious however.

During today's hearing, it was heard that Mr Worsfold was a mechanic and was single.

A funeral service for him is expected to take place at Charing Crematorium.

Following his death, flowers and messages were left tied to the railings near the river, which is close to the former Liquid and Envy nightclub.

Tributes from friends also poured in for Mr Worsfold, who previously worked at Caffyns Vauxhall, on the Orbital Park and celebrated his 50th birthday in January.

Tom Dixon, who runs The George pub, where Mr Worsfold was a regular, said: “Mark was a very popular customer with both staff and other customers and has been using The George Hotel as far back as I can remember.

“He always had a smile on his face, would always want to say hello and had a very close group of friends.

“My team are shocked and deeply saddened. His jovial character will be missed by all of us at The George.”

Author, and Kentish Express columnist, Steve Salter, from Kennington, said: “This is such a tragedy, he was one genuinely lovely guy.

“He always had a beaming smile for you. I am so saddened by his premature passing and offer my since condolences to his family.”

The inquest was adjourned until a date later this year.