AN inquest has been opened into the death of a Prestwich mother at the centre of a murder investigation.

Chip shop worker Kimberley McAssey, 29, was found dead at a flat in Sherbourne Court on February 21, Rochdale Coroner's Court was told.

Police coroner's officer Kathy Dixon said she had spent the previous evening there with a man, who was not named in court.

A 30-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the Salford-born woman's murder. He has been given technical bail in relation to the inquiry but remains in custody on other unrelated matters.

The inquest heard that there was still an ongoing police investigation into the death of Ms McAssey, who lived in Cuckoo Lane.

Coroner Lisa Judge adjourned the hearing until a date to be fixed in September.

Her family, in a statement released after her death, said: "Kimberley was a loving mother, daughter, granddaughter, sister, auntie, niece, friend and colleague.

“She was the life and soul of the party and always got up dancing. She loved going out for walks and jogging with friends.

“There was never a dull moment with her around.”

An appeal via the Go Fund Me website, arranged by Nicola Harrington, to support her family has so far raised more than £11,000.