A mum drowned in a river near to a pub an inquest ruled.

Manijeh Thomas, who had been born in Iran, but lived in Grays was found in the river off Wharf Road, Grays in February.

Manijeh, 58, was reported missing on the morning of February 13.

Essex Police classed her as a high risk missing person and subsequently launched an investigation and she was found unresponsive on a beach on Wharf Road by her support worker, Essex Coroners Court heard.

Emergency services were called, but Manijeh was pronounced dead at the scene. Police confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her death.

Police officers also discovered another body while at the scene, that of 28-year-old Elvis Iliev. The two deaths were not related.

A post-mortem examination was carried out at Basildon Hospital on February 24 and found she died as a result of drowning.

The coroner also explained how she had considered a conclusion of an accident, but that there was also not enough evidence for that.

Instead, she gave an open conclusion over Manijeh's death.

Mrs Beasley-Murray also praised the dignity Manijeh's daughter had shown in regards to her mum's death as well as during the course of the inquest.