A CORONER has recorded an open verdict in an inquest into the death of a man from Highwoods.

Alan Steele died aged 48 at his home in Colchester on March 1 this year. 

Mr Steele, who lived on his own, was found by his mother, lying face-down on his bed. 

Paramedics, who were called to the scene, confirmed his passing and officers of Essex Police concluded the death was not suspicious. 

Area coroner for Essex, Michelle Brown, formally reopened the inquest into Mr Steele’s death, which had been left without conclusion. 

The court heard that a number of empty alcohol bottles were found at the deceased’s address, but there was no indication of any drug or self-harm related incidents. 

Mr Steele suffered from a number of medical conditions, but a detailed autopsy and several tests gave no indication as to whether there was a contributing factor at the time of his passing. 

Mrs Brown told the court that two to five percent of autopsies can result in no findings. 

Due to the lack of clear evidence, Mrs Brown concluded the inquest as open.