'House of horror' bodies identified

THE IDENTITIES of the last three bodies unearthed in the 'house of horror' mass murder inquiry were confirmed at an inquest yesterday.

After hearing forensic evidence, David Gibbons, the Gloucester coroner, said he was satisfied that remains unearthed by police were those of Catherine West, first wife of the builder Frederick West; her oldest daughter, Charmaine, eight; and Anne McFall, a nanny, aged about 22, who was heavily pregnant. No evidence on the cause of death was given.

Mr West, 52, and his second wife Rosemary, 40, are due to appear before Gloucester magistrates today on murder charges.

Inquests have already been opened and adjourned on nine other young women whose remains were found by police in their dig at 25 Cromwell Street.

The Home Office pathologist, Professor Bernard Knight, and his colleague, Dr David Whittaker, a forensic dental expert, identified the bodies by the electronic matching of photographs with the skulls. None of the victims was reported missing to police although the coroner said relatives had made 'strenuous' efforts of their own to find them.

The inquest was adjourned to a date to be fixed.