AN INQUEST has been opened into the death of a businessman found in a river.
Self-employed structural engineer John Hird, who was single and from the Mowden area of Darlington, is thought to have fallen into the Tees in the early hours of Sunday, February 2.
Mr Hird, 49, had been to a pub on Saturday, before going to a party in the village of Low Coniscliffe.
At an inquest at Darlington police station, PC David Newman, who was a friend of Mr Hird, said he had been out with him on the night of his death.
PC Newman later identified the body after it was discovered by a woman walking her dog.
Further tests are to be carried out on Mr Hird's body before a cause of death can be given.
South Durham and Darlington coroner Colin Penna adjourned the inquest for test reports.
Police said there were no suspicious circumstances.
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