INQUESTS, which have been suspended since the start of the coronavirus lockdown in March are to resume from Wednesday, June 17 - but will all be be held at County Hall, Northallerton.

Inquests into deaths, which are violent or unnatural - such as a road accident - or where the cause of death is unknown, are normally held across the county, including in Skipton, usually at the magistrates court. But with coronavirus restrictions still in place, they will at least until July 3, be held at the offices of North Yorkshire County Council in Northallerton.

Robert Turnbull, Senior Coroner for North Yorkshire, said: “The Senior Coroners for North Yorkshire and York have taken the decision to resume inquests from Wednesday June 17, in accordance with the normal rules.

“Initially, they will all be inquests that can be held without a jury or the attendance of any witnesses. In each case, the family has been contacted and asked if they wish to attend.

“Access for the press and the public who do wish to attend will be maintained.”