Inquest opened into death of mum who suffered ‘multiple sharp force injuries’

An inquest has been opened into the death of a woman stabbed to death in Tameside. Michelle Hodgkinson was ‘attacked by a male’ on Edge Lane in Droylsden on Friday, June 2, Greater Manchester Police (GMP) said.

Despite the best efforts of medics she was declared at the scene. Today (Friday, June 26) a coroner formally opened an inquest into her death at South Manchester Coroner’s Court in Stockport.

The hearing was told 51-year-old Ms Hodgkinson, who was born in Manchester and lived on St Andrew’s Avenue in Droylsden, was a retail assistant and was single.

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Police Coroner’s Officer Alison Catlow said she was formally identified at the Royal Oldham Hospital on June 5. Area Coroner Chris Morris said a post-mortem examination had concluded she died as a result of ‘multiple sharp force injuries.’

“That’s clearly an unnatural cause of death so I am satisfied an inquest is required subject to any criminal proceedings,” he said.

Ms Hodgkinson’s daughter and her partner were present in court for the short hearing. Mr Morris told them: “Whether an inquest ever takes places depends on the parallel criminal proceedings, which are ongoing, and the outcome of that.”

He adjourned the inquest and provisionally scheduled a pre-inquest review hearing for December 13 this year.

Following Ms Hodgkinson’s death, GMP said a 28 year-old man had been arrested on suspicion of murder before being detained under the mental health act. Today a spokesman for the force confirmed no one had been charged.

Ms Hodgkinson’s heartbroken family previously paid tribute to her saying: “Everyone who knows Michelle is in utter shock at the attack she endured and how horrific her last moments were.

“Our Shelly B was the most amazing, loving, selfless and funny daughter, mother, mother-in-law, sister, auntie and most recently a nanna. It was a privilege to have been known and loved by her.

“She loved helping people in her community and was known for volunteering as an appropriate adult, her charity work and loved creating hampers to make people smile.

“She would be there for anyone and the day she was taken from us, she was doing just that – walking to meet her mum to take her shopping and to go for a coffee.

“Our family and friends are heartbroken. In one moment our world has crumbled and will never be the same. We will support each other, and we thank and appreciate the love and support shown by our family and friends. Please hold your loved ones close, tell them you love them and make memories.

“Words cannot describe how much she will be missed. Our biggest cheerleader, our confidant, our rock – she will never be forgotten. We love you to the moon and back! We’ll do everything we can to get justice. Love you forever and always!”

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