An inquest has opened into the death of a Lurgan woman whose body was found in an overflowing bath at her home.

Laura Marshall, 31, was discovered at her flat on Victoria Street in April 2016. A maintenance worker had gone to the property after a downstairs neighbour reported water coming through the ceiling.

The worker forced open the flat's front door, which had a loose lock, and entered using a torch because the flat was dark. He called out but received no answer.

He found the hall floor mat sodden and the bathroom door handle in the hall. He went to his van for a screwdriver and opened the bathroom door, which had a childproof button.

Inside, he saw Marshall face down in the bath with the taps running. She was not clothed and had bruising on her shoulder. The sink was smashed on the floor and there was blood present.

He reported the discovery to police and, during the call, asked if he could turn off the taps. He was told he could.

A lawyer for the coroner said Marshall had been living with Gary O'Dowd at the flat for a few years and that there had been multiple complaints of domestic violence against him.

O'Dowd, 38, of Brookfield Avenue, Banbridge, was arrested and charged with murder but denied involvement. The Public Prosecution Service withdrew all charges in 2018.

A detective sergeant who attended the scene said he observed a circular bruise on Marshall's forehead and bruising on her arm. He also noted congealed blood higher than the water line in the bath.

He said he believed the death was suspicious and had the hallmarks of a domestic violence-related murder. He assessed that Marshall had taken refuge in the bathroom and that an assault took place there, ending with her drowning.

A forensic scientist told the court that the bathroom door and frame were damaged. When asked if the door could be locked from the outside, he said yes.

The inquest is expected to continue until at least the end of next week.