A man who died after walking out in front of a train had gone missing just days earlier, an inquest heard.

Christopher Walmsley, of Barford Road, Sheringham, was found dead near to a railway bridge in West Runton on July 31.

An inquest in Norwich yesterday heard how the 29-year-old had no record of mental health issues and had never talked about taking his own life.

But he had been arrested on July 28 and went missing on the same day after he was released from custody.

His ex-partner, Jade Money, said: 'He was such a happy outgoing person, who saw the funny side of life. He was very popular in the pub and liked having a good knees-up.

'I never in a million years thought Chris would kill himself.'

The inquest heard how Mr Walmsley, who had worked at a newsagents, owed around £300 in council tax.

British Transport Police's fatalities investigator Candace Wright said he switched his phone off after he went missing.

His final movements were only revealed after she checked his bank statements, which showed he stayed at a hotel in Norwich on July 30.

The next day Andy Betts, who was driving a train from Sheringham to Norwich at around 8pm, said he saw Mr Walmsley walk out in front of his train. The inquest heard how it was not possible for Mr Betts to stop the train in time.

A post mortem examination found that Mr Walker died from multiple injuries, including severe brain trauma.

Senior coroner for Norfolk Jacqueline Lake recorded the death as a suicide.

She said: 'I would like to take this opportunity to offer my sympathy to Mr Walmsley and Miss Money.

'I would also like to pass on my sympathy to the train driver. I wish it to be known there was no fault on his part at all and there was nothing he could do to avoid any collision.'

Anyone feeling emotionally distressed can call Samaritans for help on 08457 909090.