An inquest has heard a man died as a result of drowning after a major search was conducted by emergency services at the River Thames.

John Keith Jones, aged 81 of Arnolds Way, Oxford, was discovered near Osney Lock on April 6 at 1.40pm.

Around four police cars, a fire engine and paramedics attended the scene.

READ MORE: Body of missing man found in river after police search

After a post-mortem, his cause of death was given as drowning.

Oxford Mail:

Mr Jones had been reported missing by police on March 14 when he was last seen at The Trout Inn in Wolvercote.

Officers had become increasingly concerned for his welfare when he still had not been found after extensive enquiries. 

Oxford Mail: John Keith Jones John Keith Jones (Image: Thames Valley Police)

On March 22, Thames Valley Police issued an appeal for specific witnesses in the case.

Mr Jones was known to struggle with his mobility.

Oxford Mail:

The date for the conclusion of the inquest has been set for October 17 at noon.

The purpose of an inquest is to determine the circumstances of an unnatural death.

An inquest opening took place this afternoon (Wednesday, June 14) at Oxford Coroner's Court.