THE inquest into the death of a man who fell into the River Thames on his mobility scooter was opened and adjourned yesterday.

Gabriel Patrick Stocks, of Kelham Hall Drive, Wheatley, was pulled from the river but pronounced dead at the scene in Osney, Oxford, at about 6.15pm on Saturday. The 47-year-old’s cause of death was drowning with a contributory cause of multiple sclerosis.

Oxfordshire Coroner Darren Salter said Mr Stocks, a single man and retired engineer, had travelled down the tow path which was flooded and not lit.

A date is yet to set for the full inquest.

After the news of the death broke on Sunday, Supt Christian Bunt, police commander for Oxford, said his thoughts were with the man’s family.

He added: “This tragic incident highlights the dangers of using pathways which have flooded in areas including Oxford.

“The public should be particularly careful following the recent heavy rainfall, especially along the River Thames, and ensure they do not put themselves at risk by entering flood water.

“I urge anyone using these areas to take extra caution.”

A date is yet to be set for the full inquest.