THE coroner’s office has said it is unclear at this stage whether an inquest will be opened into the death of a popular city tattooist.

Jack Allender’s body was discovered near to Barbourne Brook on August 21, while the 29-year-old's funeral will take place at Worcester Crematorium on Monday afternoon.

Police said at the time the tattooist’s death was not being treated as suspicious, and Worcestershire Coroner’s Office has said on Friday an inquest has not been opened at this stage.

The cause of death has yet to be officially confirmed.

Four Worcester studios last week raised £8,000 for Mr Allender’s family by inking customers with memorial tattoos for the artist, who owned The Mad House studio on Pump Street.

He was described as “beloved and talented” in a death notice submitted to the Worcester News by his grandparents Lyn and Ken Burrows.

Mr Allender had one daughter called Penny, who it is believed will receive most of the money raised by the city’s tattoo community.

All are welcome to attend the funeral, which will take place at 3.15pm and there is no dress code.

Attendees can bring a red rose if they wish, while any donations will go to Evesham’s Dog Trust.