AN inquest into the deaths of two men and a woman from the Midlands who were killed when an ex-military helicopter crashed at a Cotswold beauty spot almost two weeks ago was formally opened and adjourned today.

Gloucestershire coroner Alan Crickmore was told that the three victims have been formally identified as: Company director Roderick Paskey, 55, of Huntingdon close, Tamworth, Staffs; Lawrence Bailey, also 55, of Galloway Court, Norton Lindsey, Warwick, the boss of a cash register firm in Wythall; and Danielle Fleming, 27, of Navigation street, Birmingham.

It is believed Mr Paskey - who had co-owned the 1974 Westland Gazelle helicopter with fellow enthusiast Chris Evans of Atherstone for the last 3-4 years - was flying the machine when it plummeted to the ground on 900 foot high Langley Hill, nr Winchcombe, Glos, at midday on Saturday 1st Nov.

The tragedy happened just 2 miles from the spot at Gotherington, Glos, where TV stars Mike Smith and Sarah Greene crashed in a helicopter 20 years earlier and were badly injured.

This month's crash happened at a time of bad visibility in the area but it is not yet known whether the poor weather conditions played any part in the tragedy.

The burnt out wreckage of the machine, registration G-CBXT, has been removed to Farnborough, Hants, for examination by experts as part of the investigation being carried out by the Air Accident Investigation branch of the Transport Department.

It is understood the helicopter was being flown from Stratford upon Avon to Yeovilton, Somerset, for routine maintenance work when it crashed.

At today's inquest opening, coroner's officer Paul Boak said "On Saturday November 1, Gloucestershire police attended at Langley Hill Farm near Winchcombe. It was the scene of a crash involving a helicopter.

"The police had been alerted by a lady riding her horse who had seen a glow through the mist and had gone to investigate.

"Fire service and ambulance attended and the remains of 3 people were found at the scene.

"Gloucestershire police are satisfied that there are no suspicious circumstances and third party involvement is not suspected.

"Further enquiries will be made into the circumstances surrounding the incident by the Air Accident Investigation branch and by the coroner's officers."

Mr Boak said post mortems were carried out on 4th November by Cheltenham hospital pathologist Dr Keith McCarthy.

He found that Mr Paskey, who was identified by dental records, died from chest injuries. Mr Bailey, who was identified by his brother at Cheltenham mortuary, died from multiple injuries.

The cause of death of Ms Fleming, who was also identified by dental records, had not yet been ascertained by Dr McCarthy, said Mr Boak.

"The cause of death is unascertained pending further medical and toxicological enquiries," he said.

"Samples from all three deceased have been taken to assist with toxicological and carbon monoxide analysis.

"The scene of the crash was one of severe devastation and the families were kept fully appraised of developments with regard to identification."

The coroner agreed to release the bodies to the families for funeral arrangements to be made and he adjourned the inquests to a date to be fixed.

The helicopter, said to be worth about £175,000, was privately owned after being sold by the RAF.

The five seater Gazelle, which has a top speed of 193mph, was flying over Langley Hill Farm, just outside the town of Winchcombe, when it crashed.