A search and rescue operation was launched after a body was seen in the water in Dover Harbour, an inquest was told.

Documents found in a wallet enabled police to identify the body as that of Sudan born Omar Ezildin Ali, 24.

A helicopter over the harbour during the search

This morning, Sonia Hayes, assistant coroner for Central and South East Kent, opened an inquest into the circumstances surrounding Mr Ali's death.

She revealed a member of the public had seen a body in the sea on August 20 and an extensive operation followed involving HM Coastguard, a search helicopter from Lydd, Kent Police and Port of Dover Police.

But where the body had disappeared into the water, the search was stood down at 5.04pm.

It was then discovered on the shore at 6.15pm and police were able to identify Mr Ali 'on the balance of probability'. Ambulance staff pronounced him dead at the scene.

A post mortem concluded the cause of death was drowning.

Ms Hayes adjourned the full inquest until February 22, 2021 at County Hall in Maidstone.

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