EXTENSIVE tests failed to solve the mystery of the death of 14-year-old Latoya Catherine Campbell Smith, an inquest heard.

There was nothing to link her death at her mum's home in Crawford Street, Nelson, on October 4 to any reaction to her taking the contraceptive pill prescribed to control her periods, the hearing was told.

Home Office pathologist Dr William Lawler, said all tests had proved negative and it was one of those cases which occurred now and then when despite all the best endeavours they were unable to give a structural cause of death.

There was nothing either to indicate that there had been any sort of rare reaction to taking the pill. That had nothing to do with the girl's death, said Dr Lawler.

His personal feeling, which could not be backed up by science, was that the rhythm or electrical pulses of her heart may have become abnormal for some reason causing her heart to stop.

Det Insp Simon Leach said police, after carrying out extensive investigations, were satisfied there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding her unfortunate death.

Recording an open verdict East Lancashire Coroner David Smith said Dr Lawler was a highly competent and experienced pathologist who dealt with all kinds of special cases.

He could not give a cause of death but had indicated what he thought may have happened.

Catherine, who did not use her real name, Latoya Catherine Campbell Mitchell, and also used the surname Kent, was due to start at Primet High, Colne, after switching from Walton High School, Nelson.

She usually lived with her grandmother in Regent Street, Nelson.

The pair had slept at Catherine's mum's house after helping other members of the family prepare for a holiday.

Latoya was a member of a youth group at the Central Gospel Mission church, Nelson, and a local Air Training Corps squad.

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