AN INQUEST into the death of alleged parcel bomber Keith Cottingham will be held early next year.

Mr Cottingham, who was being held at Belmarsh prison, died on Friday, October 29.

He was awaiting trial for the murder of Barbara Harrold, who died in 1984 when a parcel bomb exploded in her kitchen at her home in Ightham, near Sevenoaks.

A coroner has confirmed that Mr Cottingham died of natural causes but an inquest must be held because he died while in custody.

An exact date for the inquest, which will be held in London, has not yet been confirmed.