The body of a 25-year-old missing man was found in a river in Rainham after he threw himself off the QE2 Bridge.

William Pullman’s body was discovered in Ferry Lane on February 24 by a member of the public, a month after he was reported missing from his home in Dartford, Kent on January 24.

PC Adam McRobie, from Essex Police, told the inquest into his death at the Chelmsford Civic Centre on Wednesday July 25, that he saw Mr Pullman, come out of his car, climb over two safety barriers and jump over the 449 feet bridge in Dartford on January 24.

The details of Mr Pullman’s car were circulated to the police in Essex and PC McRobie said that he spotted his car in a service station.

The court then heard that he followed him across the M25 until he suddenly stopped on the QE2 bridge.

PC McRobie said that Mr Pullman “seemed determined in how he moved towards the barrier and it was a quick movement”.

Evidence was also heard from investigating officer PC Christopher Roland who told the court that he found two mobiles phones in Mr Pullman’s car containing two unsent messages.

There was also a crumpled letter and a notepad found in the car.

The toxicology report revealed that there was no alcohol or drugs found in his system and the cause of death was given as drowning.

After recording a verdict of suicide, Coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray passed her condolences on to the family.

She said: “He clearly was a much loved young man and I would like to express my sympathies to the family and I hope that you can focus on more of the positive memories of him.”