AN inquest into the death of a student who died outside a nightclub more than three years ago has been delayed again.

Olivia Molly Burt was queuing outside Missoula bar in Durham when she was fatally injured after a barrier  collapsed in February 2018.

Investigations into the death of the 20-year-old, who was a student at Durham University, have been ongoing since.

The latest delay was requested by legal representatives of Durham County Council, which is investigating to see whether health and safety prosecutions should be brought.

A decision was made last year by the Crown Prosecution Service not to bring criminal proceedings.

A brief hearing was held at Redhills, in Durham, today.

Assistant senior coroner Oliver Longstaff read a statement from Bryan Smith, who is part of the legal services team at Durham County Council.

In an email, Mr Smith confirmed that investigations are still ongoing.

He told the court that it would be “several weeks” before a decision was made and requested a further adjournment.

Mr Longstaff said: “As there is an ongoing investigation which may result in a criminal or similar proceedings being brought it is appropriate for the coroner’s investigation to remain in suspension because it is not known whether any proceedings may obviate the need for an inquest.

“In light of the information provided by Mr Smith on behalf of the legal department at Durham County Council I do intend to continue with the suspension of investigation for a period of time.”

No date was set but another inquest hearing will take place later in the year, in November or December.

The brief hearing was attended virtually by Olivia’s parents, Nigel and Paula Burt, Peter Rollin, on behalf of the Security Industry Authority, Rebecca Stanton, representing individual staff members involved and Kathyrn Lumby, representing pub company Stonegate.

Ms Burt was a member of the British sailing team, grew up in Milford-on-Sea, Hampshire, and had been head girl of Bournemouth School for Girls.

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