AN inquest has been opened into the death of a Durham University student whose body was recovered from the River Wear last week.

Euan Coulthard was found by a professional diver on Friday, January 23, yards from where he was last seen on Framwellgate Bridge in Durham City on Wednesday, January 14.

His disappearance prompted a major search involving dozens of police officers, firefighters, mountain rescue volunteers and his fellow students.

An inquest into the 19-year-old’s death was opened and adjourned at Crook Civic Centre in Crook, County Durham, today (Thursday, January 29).

Coroner’s officer Charlotte Peacock confirmed Euan’s date of birth but said the date of his death had not yet been confirmed.

County Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle adjourned the inquest until Monday, March 23, to allow investigations to continue.

Earlier this week Euan’s family, of Bottesford, Leicestershire, paid tribute to the popular law student.

They said: “Losing Euan in the way we have has left us totally bereft and our lives will never be the same again.

"Euan was a friendly, out-going and fun-loving young man who embraced university life and had a very bright future ahead of him.”