MYSTERY surrounds the death of a retired milkman found in the River Dee.

An inquest has been opened into the death of John Alan George Birch, 81, of Northop, who was found in the river at Saltney Ferry on July 15.

Opening the inquest, Elizabeth Dudley-Jones, coroner for North East Wales and Central said a post-mortem took place on July 18 but further tests need to be undertaken as the cause of death is still "unascertained".

The hearing was adjourned to take place in Mold in December.