INQUESTS into a mother and son found shot dead in a car at a golf course a week ago today have been opened.

Coroner Andrew Tweddle will now investigate how and why Jean Blakey and her son, Ian, died after opening their inquests yesterday.

Mr Tweddle also authorised both bodies to be given back to their family so funerals can be arranged.

The pair were found in a car parked at a remote spot next to Crook Golf Club, in County Durham, at about 11.30am last Saturday.

A post-mortem examination ruled they died from gunshot wounds to the head. Police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

It is believed Mr Blakey, 34, may have shot his mother to end her suffering from multiple sclerosis, a condition she had lived with for many years.

But Ms Blakey’s partner of 26 years, Harry Mawson, with whom she lived in Wheatfield Gardens, Crook, said she had always fought the debilitating illness with a smile and never said that she wanted to die.

Mr Blakey’s partner of seven months, Sam Peacock, said he doted on his mother and had shot her to end her suffering, before turning the gun on himself.

Mr Tweddle heard yesterday that the injuries sustained by the pair made it difficult for them to be identified quickly.

Mr Blakey, who lived in Ennerdale Drive, a few streets from his mother’s house and half a mile from where they were found dead, was identified through his fingerprints, while Ms Blakey was identified from her dental records.

Mr Tweddle said: “The inquests have now been opened and adjourned for future inquiries.

“Once completed, we will resume the inquests in the fullness of time.”