AN inquest into death of a young woman who was stabbed with a Samurai sword and then run over by a car was opened this morning.

Durham coroner Andrew Tweddle began the investigation the death of 21-year-old Carie Burns who died on the morning of May 12 - just days after moving from Cumbria to County Durham.

She was found bleeding to death on Thomas Street in Blackhill, Consett, after attending a party there the night before.

She was rushed to the University Hospital of North Durham but died from her injuries.

Her mother, Tracey Wilson, said Ms Burns had moved to Consett from Kendal just four days before her death as she knew the area well, having previously stayed there with an aunt when she was a child.The proceedings were opened and adjourned pending the outcome of a murder inquiry.

Her funeral will be held at St George's Church on Castle Street in Kendal next Thursday at 2pm.

Hugh Penrose, 36, of Thomas Street, Blackhill, Consett, has been charged with Carie's murder. He is due to appear at Durham Crown Court on Wednesday.