MYSTERY surrounds how a retired man was found washed up at a Dorset beauty spot.

Terence Allen, 81, from Totton, had not been seen since the previous day.

Winchester Coroner’s Court heard how his body was found fully-clothed by a dog-walker at Studland Bay at around 7am on September 10.

It is believed he had been in the water for less than 24 hours.

It is not known how or why he entered the water.

Mr Allen, of 7 Evergreens, Rose Road, known as ‘Terry’ to his family, was a retired carpenter and served in the RAF.

Mr Allen’s cousin Linda Whitehorn said: “He was a kind and caring person, always helping others.”

Dr Victoria Elliot of Southampton General Hospital said there were no evidence of trauma to the body and no significant prior health problems.

She added that there was no water in Mr Allen’s stomach, which is often a sign of drowning.

Toxicology results showed there was alcohol in his body, equal to the drink-drive limit.

Central Hampshire coroner Grahame Short said Mr Allen’s death was a “mystery”.

“There is no evidence or explanation for his actions,” he said.

Mr Short said it was unclear whether Mr Allen had drowned, or had died from the shock of entering the cold water, but that alcohol may have affected his judgement.

Mr Short recorded an open conclusion and death by immersion in water.