A man found dead at sea after being released from police custody had been struggling with his mental health, an inquest has heard.

The body of Ivan Rumenov Ignatov, 24, was found in the water off Church Ope Cove, Portland by a father and son nearly two weeks after he was seen walking into the sea.

On July 19, 2020, Mr Ignatov had been released from custody at Weymouth Police Station after reportedly attacking his father in Sturminster Newton the day before.

After being released, it was alleged Mr Ignatov attempted to steal a car on Portland until he was "punched" by one of its occupants and fled with a bloody nose.

Soon after, he was seen entering the sea near Church Ope Cove at about 10.20pm.

According to witnesses, Mr Ignatov appeared intoxicated. However, a post-mortem examination found no evidence of alcohol or drug abuse.

At an inquest into Mr Ignatov's death, which began yesterday at Bournemouth Town Hall, evidence was read that suggested the keen footballer had "placed clothing around his neck" while in custody but was not referred to mental health services.

Born in Bulgaria, Mr Ignatov moved to the UK with his parents in 2017 and worked as a machine operator. His mother, Katrina Ignatov, said he was a "well respected" young man who was fluent in English and had a large circle of friends.

However, in the years leading to his death, it was said that Mr Ignatov had been suffering from severe mental health struggles.

Dr Damian Patterson of Blackmore Vale Surgery reported Mr Ignatov as being depressed and stating that he heard voices during an appointment in 2018.

The incident which resulted in Mr Ignatov being arrested on July 18, 2020, came after he allegedly attacked his father.

"He grabbed me by the neck, I was so frightened that I ran from the house and called for help," his father said in a statement.

As previously reported, statements taken following his time in custody revealed Mr Ignatov attempted to harm himself during his time in detention.

Despite this, it was reported there was no record of any face-to-face consultation with a mental health professional.

A representative from the Criminal Justice Liaison and Diversion Service, which works with police to assess those with potential mental health issues, said: "Clearly with hindsight if we had been sent [the information] we would have done an assessment. It should have taken place."

Forensic pathologist Dr Basil Purdue said due to the body's condition after it was recovered from the sea, a conclusive cause of death could not be stated. He did, however, agree that drowning was the likeliest cause.

Regarding the condition of Mr Ignatov before he entered the sea, Dr Purdue said this was more likely to have been a result of a mental health episode as opposed to drug or alcohol intoxication.

The inquest continues.