Mum died of 'blunt force head and neck injuries' in alleged murder at her home, inquest hearing told

The cause of Claire Burns' death was revealed as inquest proceedings were formally opened at Manchester Coroners' Court

A mother allegedly murdered at her home died of 'blunt force head and neck injuries', an inquest hearing was told. Clare Marie Burns, 51, was found dead at her flat on Queens Road, in Collyhurst, in the early hours of April 7.

As inquest proceedings were opened at Manchester Coroners' Court, coroner Zak Golombek confirmed Ms Burns was found dead at her home on April 7 and that the death was reported to Greater Manchester Police, which opened a criminal investigation.

Mr Golombek said as a result, he authorised a Home Office post mortem investigation which found the cause of death to be 'blunt force head and neck injuries'.

A GMP fingerprint reporting officer formally identified the body, the coroner said. Mr Golombek said he had received correspondence from the Crown Prosecution Service confirming that 'an individual will be charged with the offence of murder'.

He suspended the inquest 'pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings'. The coroner confirmed the next of kin was Ms Burns' spouse David Burns.

In a tribute released the day after her death, her family said said: "Clare was a loving mother, auntie, sister and daughter. She was funny, outgoing and a very independent person. She was also kind, generous and friendly to anyone she met.

"Clare would always light up the room she entered, and she was a brilliant friend to many. We will miss her dearly."

A bunch of flowers was left at the scene, with written tributes attached from Ms Burns' loved ones. A teddy bear was also placed at the scene.

A note on the flowers read: "Rest in peace mum, we will miss you." Another read: "Rest in peace my darling daughter. Love you forever and always, love mum xxxxx"

Other tributes described Ms Burns as 'my friend always' and 'our kid'.

Police arrested a 55-year-old man at the scene.

Leonard Lee Stewart, 55, of Queens Road, Manchester, has been charged with murder.

Due to past contact between police and the victim and suspect, Greater Manchester Police Professional Standards Directorate has made a voluntary referral to the Independent Office of Police Conduct.