AN unemployed former Runcorn factory worker has been found dead in the sea in North Wales.

An inquest into the death of 44-year-old Steven Maurice Mazier from Sparrowhawk Close,  Palacefields opened in Ruthin on Monday.

Coroner for North Wales East and Central, John Gittins said that the Llandudno inshore rescue boat found Mr Mazier’s body near Cayley Pier, off Rhos on Sea on Saturday morning, September 6.

A rucksack containing his personal documents was later discovered by a passer-by.

A post mortem has confirmed a provisional cause of death as drowning.

The inquest was adjourned until January.

North Wales police said they were not treating the death as suspicious.