AN investigation has been launched to determine whether the death of a woman was accidental or a suicide.

Patricia Ahern died on January 31 at the age of 61 at her home address in Knolton Way, Slough.

A pre-inquest was opened on Tuesday (September 19) at Berkshire’s Coroners Court which heard that her medical cause of death was provided as respiratory depression from the combined toxic effects of strong painkillers.

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Assistant coroner Ian Wade KC said: “It appears Patricia was known to the local mental health services. It’s quite clear her death was unnatural due to drug toxicity but whether it was an accident or deliberate remains to be seen.”

A full inquest date has yet to be set.

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