A NORTH-EAST man and his family, whose bodies were found in their £400,000 Surrey home, died from gunshot wounds to the head, a coroner was told.

An inquest was opened and adjourned yesterday into the deaths of ex-Coldstream Guard Anthony Smith, 34, wife Kay, 33, and children Gemma, six, and Adam, four. The bodies were released for funeral purposes.

Detective Chief Inspector Kevin Deanus told the hearing, held in Woking, that police were not looking for anyone else in connection with the tragedy.

It is believed that Mr Smith shot his family, before turning the gun on himself.

They were found in their five-bedroom home in Camberley, on Monday, after neighbours raised the alarm.

Mr and Mrs Smith had been childhood sweethearts, growing up together in Houghton-le-Spring, Wearside.

After leaving the Army, where he also served with the Special Air Service, Mr Smith worked for a car firm and latterly as a bodyguard, in London.

Police officers are looking into all aspects of his background, including his finances, in a bid to discover what prompted the shootings.

Yesterday, Gemma's headteacher at Heather Ridge Infant School, Camberley, paid tribute to the youngster.

Jan Whatling said: "We are all very upset and distressed at this tragic incident.

"Gemma was a normal little girl and had settled nicely into our school. She had made friends with her classmates and enjoyed coming to school.

"Gemma's mother shared the school run with other parents and both her mother and father attended parent evenings.