An inquest has been opened into the death of “a great man” whose body was discovered close to his home earlier this month. 

Neil Read, of Oak Lane in Old Catton, Norwich, died in a nearby woodland on the morning of April 1. 

Tributes shared online on social media described the 42-year-old as “a beautiful person" and a “great man”. 

Evidence at Norfolk Coroner’s Court, based at County Hall, heard that Mr Read was employed as a builder. 

Area coroner Yvonne Blake confirmed the medical cause of death had been given as “hanging”. 

A full inquest to determine the official cause of death will take place at the court later in the year. 

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