AN inquest has opened into the death of a Whitehaven woman who was found unresponsive in her home.

Kerry Ann Thompson, 52, was discovered at her home on Peter Street in Whitehaven on September 7, 2024.

Area coroner for Cumbria, Kirsty Gomersal, said that a police officer who had known Ms Thompson for seven years, was able to provide a statement of identification.

During the brief hearing at Cockermouth Coroner's Court, Ms Gomersal stated that a post-mortem examination had been carried out, which offered a cause of death of the toxic effect of heroin.

She was pronounced dead by paramedics at 12.12pm

READ NEXT: Blood in Lake District holiday lodge 'incidental' to death of 'very well liked' dad

Due to the cause of death offered being classed as unnatural, Ms Gomersal said the that she was satisfied that an inquest was required.

She adjourned the case until a provisional date of January 25, 2025, when a full inquest would be heard.

Ms Thompson was single, and her last occupation is unknown at this stage.