A TAXI driver who vanished mysteriously from his home in Fyfield two years ago has been declared legally dead by a coroner.

David Venables, 68, from Moreton Road, disappeared after leaving his family home on Friday, June 29.

He was last seen by his wife, Hilary Venables as she left for the weekend to babysit their grandchild.

When she returned home she could find no trace of her husband of 50 years.

Mr Venables had suffered from Parkinson's Disease for ten years, and although he was usually meticulous with his medication, he left home without it that day.

A police search and appeal for information led officers to discover his Hackney Carriage abandoned a month later in an underground car park in St John's Wood.

However a body was never found and Mr Venables disappearance remains a mystery.

A Coroner recorded an open verdict in a one hour hearing at Westminster Coroner's court.

Dr Paul Knapman recorded an open verdict that the father-of-two died on June 30, although the cause of death would remain unascertainable.

Two Essex Police officers were called to give evidence into the hearing, which took place on July 15.

A spokesman for Essex police said that the case would remain open and urged anyone with information to contact detectives at Harlow major crimes investigation unit on 0300 333 44 44.