AN inquest has opened into the death of Dudley woman Julia Rawson, whose disappearance sparked a murder investigation.

Julia, from Green Park Road, was reported missing on May 13 and her body was discovered a month later in Tipton, following an extensive search by police.

Coroner Zafar Siddique opened the inquest at Black Country Coroner's Court on September 30 and adjourned proceedings to allow the criminal investigation into Julia's death to take place.

The court heard how the cause of Julia's death has so far been unascertained.

DNA testing and dental records identified a body discovered by police on June 12 as the 42-year-old warehouse operative, the inquest heard.

Two men have been charged with her murder.

Nathan Maynard-Ellis, aged 29, of Mission Drive, Tipton, and David Leesley, aged 24, of Dereton Close, Dudley, pleaded not guilty to murdering Julia Rawson in a hearing at Wolverhampton Crown Court on July 25.

A pre-trial hearing has been scheduled to take place on October 14, with the trial expected to take place in January 2020.

Both men have been remanded in custody.

Coroner Siddique told the court: "Given the circumstances I am going to formally suspend, pending outcome of trial."

He passed on his condolences to Julia's loved ones.