Witnesses have recalled the moment they saw a man floating face down in the river along Riverside, a court has heard.

Howard Clarke, also known as 'Howie' was recovered from the river Wensum before being taken to the N&N, where he died.

The court heard that CCTV from around the area captured Howard, a freelance cartoonist, getting into the water at 11.17am.

During the first day, of a two-day inquest, witness statements were read out to the court about the incident which happened on January 5.

Martyn Hooton, a Broadland councillor, was making his way over the bridge at the bottom of Prince of Wales Road when he heard splashing and shouting from near the Compleat Angler pub. 

The incident happened around 11.17am on January 5, 2024The incident happened around 11.17am on January 5, 2024 (Image: Newsquest)

The statement said Mr Hooton saw "a man with water up to his chest flailing his arms above his head and struggling.

"I called the police and noticed he was struggling to stay afloat - I was extremely concerned for him.

"He appeared to be getting dragged towards Carrow Road so I made my way down to the Nelson Hotel where someone else was with a life ring.

"They threw it out but at this point the man was floating face down and no longer struggling.

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"Shortly after a fire fighter in full wet kit jumped in and pulled him out of the water."

Witness statements recalled Howard Clarke floating face down in the river near the Compleat AnglerWitness statements recalled Howard Clarke floating face down in the river near the Compleat Angler (Image: Newsquest)

Another statement, from the landlord of the Compleat Angler Andrew Coe, said: "One of my kitchen staff ran out with a life ring after seeing a man in the river.

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"I saw him, face down, about three metre away from the bank.

"I'd seen him pacing around our patio several times that morning, looking out over the river.

"I was going to go out and speak to him, but before I knew it he was gone."

The inquest continues tomorrow from 10am at Norfolk Coroner's Court.

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The second day of the inquest is at 10am tomorrow at Norfolk Coroner's CourtThe second day of the inquest is at 10am tomorrow at Norfolk Coroner's Court (Image: Newsquest)