An inquest has been opened into the death of a man whose body was discovered in a lake.
Christopher Knowles of Maud Gardens, Barking, was reported missing after last being seen at The Chase Nature Reserve in Dagenham on March 1 where he had been taken for a night fishing trip.
The alarm was raised after a lake manager spotted the 43-year-old's fishing gear left unattended, the opening of an inquest into Christopher's death at Walthamstow Coroner's Court heard today (May 23).
His body was found when a dog ran into the lake on March 18 during a walk at the reserve after becoming distracted by something in the water.
A post mortem at Queen's Hospital in Romford gave the cause of death as drowning and epileptic seizure.
Assistant coroner, Ian Wade QC, said: "Death by drowning is plainly an unnatural cause so an inquest is required."
Mr Wade called for evidence to be sought from the ambulance service, Christopher's family and eyewitnesses.
The inquest is due to begin on August 30.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here