Woman stabbed in face, neck and back - inquest

A mother-of-three whose body was discovered following a house fire had suffered stab wounds to her face, neck and back, an inquest heard.

Marta Bednarczyk, 43, was pronounced dead at the scene on Newcomen Road in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire, at about 03:30 GMT on 10 March.

A provisional cause of death was given as stab wounds, pending the results of further tests, Northampton Coroner's Court heard. The inquest was adjourned until 8 October.

A 13-year-old girl, who cannot be named for legal reasons due to her age, has been charged with murder and arson with intent to endanger life.

She has not yet entered pleas and is being held in youth detention. A provisional trial date has been fixed for November, to be heard before a High Court judge.

Opening the inquest, senior coroner Anne Pember said Ms Bednarczyk had been identified through DNA and her body had not yet been released.

Ms Bednarczyk, who moved to England from Poland 15 years ago, was remembered by her family. In a statement previously released through Northamptonshire Police, they said: "She will be missed beyond words, and she will never be forgotten."

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