Inquest on Yates is adjourned to allow more forensic tests

The inquest into Paula Yates was opened and adjourned yesterday, with the coroner confirming that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the television presenter, whose body was found at her home by a friend on Sunday.

The inquest into Paula Yates was opened and adjourned yesterday, with the coroner confirming that there were no suspicious circumstances surrounding the death of the television presenter, whose body was found at her home by a friend on Sunday.

Opening the inquest at Westminster coroner's court, Dr Paul Knapman said he was unhappy at the word "inconclusive", which had been used by police and newspapers to describe the results of the post-mortem examination. "I would have preferred to have said, 'The cause of death awaits further tests'. There was nothing suspicious," he said.

The hearing, which lasted only a few minutes, was attended by Anthony Burton, Yates's solicitor, who later appealed for her family to be left in peace. Belinda Brewin, her close friend, was also present. She left in silence after the four-minute hearing, looking distressed.

The inquest was adjourned until 8 November to allow police and officials to do further toxicology tests.

The Australian grandparents of Yates's youngest daughter, Heavenly Hiraani Tiger Lily, said they would not fight for custody of her and agreed that she should remain with her three half-sisters and their father, Bob Geldof.

Patricia Glassop, the mother of the late INXS star Michael Hutchence, and his half-sister, Tina, had reportedly consulted lawyers in London about seeking custody of Tiger Lily but Mrs Glassop said they were happy with the arrangements made by a court on Monday.