AN inquest into the death of a Nelson nurse due to go on trial for murder has been opened and adjourned

Anne Grigg-Booth, 52, of Henry Street, was accused of murdering three elderly women at Airedale General Hospital, Steeton, West Yorkshire.

Grigg-Booth was found dead at her home at 1.40am on Monday.

Police broke into the house and found Grigg-Booth in the downstairs lounge of her home after being called by neighbours concerned for her welfare.

East Lancashire coroner Richard Taylor opened an inquest into the death today and adjourned the hearing for the results of toxicology tests.

The further tests have had to be carried out after a post mortem examination failed to establish an exact cause of death.

The West Yorkshire coroner Roger Whittaker was looking at the three deaths and the Lord Chancellor, Lord Falconer, will decide whether to hold inquests.

Police have revealed they had looked at up to 20 cases before charging Grigg-Booth with three murders.

Grigg-Booth, who was divorced and had one son, had always denied being responsible for any deaths.

She was charged with the murder of Jane Driver, Eva Blackburn and Annie Midgley in September 2004 and was due to go on trial at Bradford Crown Court next April.

Grigg-Booth was also accused of attempting to murder 42-year-old Michael Parker, 13 counts of unlawfully administering poison to 12 other patients and driving offences.

She was alleged to have variously administered morphine, pethidine and diamorphine to patients over a period of nearly two years.