An inquest into the death of grandfather Nigel Knights has recorded he took his own life.

The 63-year-old’s body was pulled from the water at Strood Pier in Canal Road nine days after he had gone missing after a shopping trip to Morrisons in Strood in May. His disappearance prompted a massive search of the river and surrounding area.

Posters were pasted up across the Towns, 5,000 people joined a Facebook group dedicated to finding Mr Knights, and candles were lit during a vigil at St Francis Church in Strood.

Mr Knights was found at Strood Pier after someone reported seeing something in the water.

The pier is just a few minutes’ walk from Morrisons.

At the time, police said formal identification of the body had not taken place but said Mr Knights’ family had been informed.

A few hours later, his family posted a message on the Find Nigel Knights Facebook page asking for privacy.

It said: “The family of Nigel Knights wish to thank you all for every bit of support and help you’ve given them in the last nine days. You have more than likely seen the news and we hope you can respect our request for privacy at this very distressing and upsetting time.

“If you have helped with displaying posters or should you see any remaining, please help us this one last time by removing them for us.

“For every follow, share, comment and message, we thank you. Goodnight.”

An inquest was held at Archbishop’s palace in Maidstone.

The coroner recorded that on May 18, Mr Knights was found having died as a result of entering the River Medway and being immersed in water.

A conclusion of suicide was recorded.