A 35-year-old man whose body was discovered in woodland in Ipswich had taken his own life, an inquest has heard.

Matthew Whyman, of Darwin Road, Ipswich, had been reported missing ten days before, sparking a vulnerable missing person investigation.

Suffolk police appealed to the public to find him, releasing a picture of him and later CCTV images of a possible sightings just days before his body was found.

At an inquest in Ipswich today, Suffolk area coroner Nigel Parsley read out details from a police report saying that Mr Whyman had been reported missing on Tuesday, October 10, by his ex-partner.

A note had been found and the police were called.

Due to the circumstances surrounding his disappearance, a high risk missing persons appeal was launched.

The inquest heard that Mr Whyman later called police saying he was safe and with a friend.

He was reported to have been at a loss to why he had been reported missing.

Suffolk police received five reported sightings of Mr Whyman in the next few days, although it can’t be confirmed whether these were accurate.

Mr Whyman’s body was discovered by a member of the public on Friday, October 20, in woodland close to Spring Road in Ipswich.

Mr Parsley said following a post mortem, the cause of death was determined as hanging.

In conclusion, Mr Parsley said: “Because of the method and location he chose to carry out the act I will conclude that Matthew Whyman died as a result of suicide.

“I would like to pass on my personal condolences and condolences of the court to Mr Whyman’s family and friends.”