Stabbed trainee Pc inquest opens

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Inquests have opened into the deaths of a Leicestershire Police officer and her partner who were both discovered stabbed in Rutland.

Melissa Ward, 28, of Oakham, Rutland, and Benedict Marlow, 33, from the West Midlands, were found at the probationary Pc's flat on Friday.

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the deaths.

Rutland and North Leics Coroner Trevor Kirkman opened and adjourned the inquests into both deaths.

Investigation continuing

Post-mortem examinations found both died from stab wounds.

Officers were called to the flat at The Sidings shortly before 1800 GMT after members of Pc Ward's family raised concerns about her welfare.

Police said Mr Marlow was thought to have been staying with the officer at the time of the incident.

Although she was young in service... Melissa had enjoyed a successful career and was greatly respected by her colleagues Leicestershire Police

It is thought the couple had met in the pub where Mr Marlow was working, in Braunston, near Oakham.

He had previously worked as a sous chef at Jools Holland's Jam House bar and restaurant in the centre of Birmingham.

Former colleagues said he had been quite popular in his short time there between November 2005 and spring 2006 when he left for Braunston.

Leicestershire Police's investigations into the killings were continuing on Tuesday.

Pc Ward's family said on Monday that they were "utterly devastated at the loss of a loving and loveable daughter and sister, dedicated to her job".

Chief Constable Matt Baggott paid tribute to the officer on Monday.

He said: "The death of a colleague is a terrible shock and the force is experiencing a great sense of loss.

"Although she was young in service... Melissa had enjoyed a successful career and was greatly respected by her colleagues."