THE inquest into the death of Steven Dyson has given his provisional cause of death as 'drowning'.

Steven, aged 22, was last seen at 9am on New Year’s Day leaving a party in St Andrew’s Close, in Ramsbottom.

It is believed he started the 25-minute walk to his home in Beechwood Avenue, but did not make it back.

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He was reported missing by his mother later that day, sparking a police search of Nuttall Park and the surrounding area.

In the days that followed, members of the public formed organised search parties in a bid to assist police, before a body was eventually found in the River Irwell in nearby Summerseat on Saturday, January 6.

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The short inquest opening at Rochdale Coroner's Court on Tuesday morning heard that the provisional cause of death for Steven was 'drowning'. This is pending histology and toxicology tests being carried out.

Assistant coroner Matthew Cox adjourned the inquest until 10am on Wednesday, June 6.