AN inquest has been formally opened into the death of a man who went missing in south Warrington.

Ian Price was last seen at around midday on Friday, August 18, when he left his home address in Appleton.

Cheshire Police launched an urgent appeal for help in finding him, but his body was sadly found the following day.

Warrington Coroner’s Court heard on Wednesday how Mr Price was found deceased in woodland in the Millenium Green area of Appleton, off Dale Lane and Lumb Brook Road.

The hearing was told how he left his home address stating that he was going for a run, but he failed return, prompting Cheshire Police to be informed.

Sadly, he was found deceased, with his body recovered by officers searching for him on Saturday, August 19.

Identification was made by police officers at the scene from a photo supplied of him.

Concluding the brief hearing, Jaqueline Devonish, senior coroner for Cheshire, said: “On the evidence I have heard, I am satisfied that this case requires an inquest.

“I therefore formally open an inquest and adjourn the case to be heard on March 5, 2024.”

An internal pre-inquest review is also due to take place in December.

In cancelling the missing person appeal, Cheshire Police previously said: “Police searching for a missing man in Warrington have sadly discovered a body

“The discovery was made in the Lumb Brook Park area.

“Formal identification has not yet been completed, but it is believed to be the missing man.

“His next of kin have been made aware.

“The death is not believed to be suspicious and a case file will be prepared for the coroner.”