The inquest into the death of a pensioner who was found in the River Windrush will be held on Thursday.

The family of Derek West, 78, who was last seen at his home in Meadow Lane, Witney on November 21, had been informed but Oxford Coroner's Court listing confirmed his identity.

Emergency services were called to the River Windrush near the Crawley Mill Industrial Estate on Saturday morning to reports a body was seen in the water.

Emergency services were called to the River Windrush near the Crawley Mill Industrial Estate on Saturday morning to reports a body was seen in the water.

Firefighters were seen dressed in their aquatic gear at about midday and two ambulances and three police cars arrived at the scene.

Viv Jones, who runs the Daisyroots Ceramics workshop on the Crawley Mill estate, said she had arrived at 9.30am to discover the Oxfordshire Lowland Search and Rescue (OxSAR) team on site, and quickly realised they must be looking for Mr West again.

Oxford Mail:

Emergency services at the scene near Crawley Mill. Picture: Ric Mellis 

She said: “He went missing three weeks ago and police have been coming in here on an almost daily basis asking if we’ve seen anything and asking about Derek.

“I asked them if they had found what they were looking for and they said yes but they couldn’t confirm anything officially.”

Did you know Mr West? Pay your tribute here

Thames Valley Police spokeswoman Antonia Bairstow said Mr West's next of kin had been informed and added: "Our thoughts are with all of his family and friends at this time.

“The death is not believed to be suspicious, and officers will prepare a file for the coroner.”

Oxford Mail:

His wife Hilary said last month it was very 'out of character' for him. 

Over the weekend condolences were paid to Mr West's family. 

Mr West was last seen at his home in Meadow Lane, Witney, on November 21. 

His wife Hilary said last month it was very ‘out of character’ for him. 

She and other relatives urged members of the public to call police if they saw anybody fitting his description. 

She said at the time: "I am so worried and Derek’s friends and family are so worried. We just want to find him."
 

Oxford Mail:

Crews at the scene as police secure the area. Picture: Ric Mellis

Police launched a number of searches across Witney and specialists repeatedly searched the River Windrush. 

Officers said they were concerned for Mr West's welfare because of the weather conditions and because they suspected he had left prescribed medication at home when he went missing. 

Volunteers from the OxSAR group also helped in the hunt for Mr West. 

Oxford Mail:

An extensive search was launched for missing man Derek West 

Alison Hodgson wrote on Facebook that it was 'terrible news'. Karen Bowell added: "So sad. RIP. My thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.

Jo Baker said: "Such a shame. Poor man and his family at this time."

And Emma Hawkins added: "What a shame. RIP."

Conservative Candidate for the Minster & Hanborough Division Liam Walker said he echoed the tributes and added: “My thoughts are with Derek’s family at this difficult time.”

He praised the emergency services for their work at the weekend and over the past few weeks with their efforts to find Mr West.