An inquest into the death of Chelveston woman, Helen Bird, opened today (Tuesday, March 11) with the preliminary cause of death given as a head injury, pending further tests.

The opening of the inquest held at Northampton’s Guildhall this morning heard that a post-mortem examination has determined the cause of death as a head injury.

On the morning of Monday, February 2, 47-year-old Helen was attacked inside a property in High Street, Chelveston, and died of her injuries in hospital eight days later.

The full inquest is set to resume on September 23.

The inquest into the death of 47-year-old Helen Bird was opened at the Guildhall in Northampton today (March 11)

placeholder image — The inquest into the death of 47-year-old Helen Bird was opened at the Guildhall in Northampton today (March 11)

Tribute to 'kind, selfless and loyal' mother killed in Northamptonshire village

A 50-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of attempted murder on February 3.

Following Helen’s death at University Hospital Coventry and Warwickshire on February 10, he has since been charged with her murder.

James Bird, 50, of High Street, Chelveston, appeared at magistrates court yesterday (Tuesday, March 10) and was remanded into custody to appear at Northampton Crown Court today (Wednesday).