A MAN who died in floods in Cleobury Mortimer during Storm Babet has been named.

Trevor David Furniss, aged 66, of Furnace Mill, was a company director who was seen to be in distress in the water at 10.30am on October 20. A member of public reported that they saw him go underwater.

Emergency services had been called to the scene, and Mr Furniss' body was found in Mad Brook, at Meaton Lane in the Wyre Forest. 

Police confirmed that the circumstances of the death were not suspicious. At the time of the incident, a spokesperson for West Mercia Police said: "Officers from West Mercia Police and Shropshire Fire and Rescue Service quickly attended but sadly he was found deceased."

West Midlands Ambulance Service sent one ambulance, two paramedic officers, the hazardous area response team and the Midlands Air Ambulance from Strensham to the scene.

A spokesperson for the ambulance service said: "Ambulance crews quickly began working with fire and police colleagues to try and find the man, who was reported to have gone under the water.

"The man was rescued from the water. However, sadly it quickly became apparent that nothing could be done to save him and he was confirmed dead at the scene."

The inquest was formally opened at the Coroner's Court in Shrewsbury and adjourned to a full hearing on February 15, 2024.

Mr Furniss was one of seven people known to have died during Storm Babet.