AN inquest has been opened and adjourned into the death of police officer's wife Maria Jones.

The 36-year-old hairdresser was found with stab wounds in the bedroom of her home at Barwick Close, Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, on December 2.

Her father, retired engineer Ronald Phillips, gave evidence of identification to Coroner Michael Sheffield at the opening of the inquest in Middlesbrough, yesterday.

Mr Sheffield said a doctor visited the house on December 2 and confirmed she had died.

Mrs Jones, who was born in Bristol, will be cremated.

Mr Sheffield adjourned the inquest for further inquiries and other legal procedures.

Mr Phillips, who was born in Bristol, but lives in Middlesbrough, declined to comment after the hearing.

Maria's husband, Graham Ivor Jones, a 40-year-old officer with Cleveland Police, based at force headquarters, has been charged with his wife's murder.

Mrs Jones was his second wife after his first marriage ended in divorce. The couple have three sons, aged 13, ten and eight, who are being cared for by relatives.