Inquest opens into deaths of Sunderland mother and son Janice and Michael Woolford

Northumbria Police launched an investigation into the death of Janice Woolford, 68, and Michael Woolford, 44, after their bodies were found at an address in Satley Gardens in Tunstall, Sunderland, at around 10am on Wednesday, February 26.

Officers had been called to the house after reports of concern for a woman, with paramedics from the North East Ambulance Service pronouncing both dead at the scene.

The force later confirmed Ms Woolford had suffered injuries consistent with stabbing, while her son had not suffered any visible injuries, but it was believed he had taken a large quantity of drugs.

Officers said they do not believe any third party was involved and are carrying on an inquiry, with details to be passed on to the coroner once that has been concluded.

Today, Tuesday, March 10, the city’s assistant coroner David Place opened an inquest into Ms Woolford’s death at Sunderland Civic Centre.

That hearing was followed a few moments later with the opening inquest into the death of her son.

Coroner’s officer Andrew Weighill confirmed to the hearing that Mrs Woolford and her son had been found in the same room of the home they shared after police forced entry to the house, which is just off Essen Way.

Mr Place told both hearings: “Post mortem examinations have been carried out but results are still awaited.

“On the basis of information that has been provided to me, this is a case which requires investigation and at the moment we have information to suggest that this has been an unnatural death.

“On that basis, I will adjourn this matter until we have further information from the post mortem examination and police inquiries, which are currently ongoing.”

He adjourned both hearings until 10am on Wednesday, September 9.

Tributes were left to Mrs Woolford following her sudden death, saying she had been a “lovely lady” and a pleasure to know.