Funeral date announced for Sunderland dad Lee Downey - as inquest opens into his death

The body of Lee, 35, was found on Seaham beach on March 8, two days after he was reported missing by his family.

His funeral will take place at Sunderland Crematorium at 1.30pm tomorrow.

An inquest has also opened into Lee's death at Sunderland Coroner's Court.

His address was given as Grindon Court during the hearing.

Officer Neville Dixon said that Lee's body was formally identified by his mum Lynn Metcalf.

A post-mortem examination has been carried out.

The inquest was passed to Sunderland Coroner's Office after originally being handled by the County Durham coroner.

The hearing has now been adjourned until Friday, May 19, at 10am.