An inquest has opened after the body of a building surveyor from Ashburton was discovered with a shotgun in his hand.

William Dickinson had sustained a significant head wound. He was found lying on a sofa at a property on College Road in Exeter on Saturday June 21.

The inquest heard that the 42-year-old senior chartered building surveyor was holding a shotgun.

The cause of Mr Dickinson’s death has not yet been ascertained but senior coroner Philip Spinney confirmed that there were no suspicious circumstances.

The inquest was adjourned and a full hearing will take place at a future date, yet to be determined.