AN inquest has opened into the deaths of an Oldbury couple who were found after an apparent murder-suicide.

Paul Lander, aged 30, and 26-year-old Rikki Lander were discovered at their Pel Crescent home at around 2pm on August 5 after young children were heard crying at the address.

Detective Sergeant Sue Hordern, of West Midlands Police, told Black Country Coroners Court officers were called to the address after the two bodies were found by neighbours.

The inquest also heard three children were found in the property, they were unharmed.

DS Hordern confirmed the police were treating the incident as a murder-suicide investigation and are not looking for anyone else in connection with their inquiry.

Rikki was described as "the perfect daughter and best friend" in a tribute from her family.

Post mortem examinations have been carried out which revealed Paul Lander died as a result of asphyxiation – consistent with hanging, however, the post mortem for his wife was unascertained and further tests are required to establish her cause of death.

The inquest was adjourned to a provisional date of 11am on Monday, October 16.