An inquest has today been opened into the death of West Malling teacher Lauren Patterson - but how she died is still a mystery.

The 24-year-old, of Leybourne Chase, is thought to have been killed following a night out in Doha - the capital of Qatar - on October 12.

Her badly-burned body was found in a remote part of the desert by someone flying a hawk.

The remains were identified after DNA was matched to her mother Alison, who flew out to the Middle East following her daughter's death.

But a post-mortem examination at Medway Maritime Hospital, in Gillingham, last week failed to ascertain the cause of Lauren's death.

She had been temporarily living in Qatar while teaching at at a primary school.

An inquest into her death was opened at The Archbishop's Palace, in Maidstone, this morning.

Coroner Patricia Harding explained there would not be a full hearing until the end of a criminal investigation in Qatar.

Two men have reportedly been arrested in connection with Lauren's suspected murder.

Mrs Harding adjourned the inquest for three months, when there will be a review of the information from officials in the Gulf State.