An open verdict has been recorded by a coroner on a man found lying dead in a shopping centre.

Southend coroner Dr Peter Dean said he could not be certain that Robert Whiteley, of Whitegate Road, Southend, had intended to kill himself as he had spoken with family about his plans for the future and had not left a note.

The hearing was told Mr Whiteley, 50, fell to his death and was found by a security guard at Victoria Plaza shopping centre at around 6.30pm on February 17.

The accountant died instantly from severe multiple head and chest injuries sustained in the fall.

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