Boris Berezovsky was found with ligature round his neck, inquest told

Boris Berezovsky, who was found dead at his home on Saturday. Photograph: Dominic Lipinski/PAThe exiled Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky was found dead on his bathroom floor with a ligature around his neck and a piece of similar material attached to a fitting above him, an inquest into his death has heard.

The 67-year old died of hanging, according to the findings of a postmortem examination carried out at Wexham Park hospital in Slough on Monday. His body was identified by his daughter from his first marriage, Elizaveta Berezovskaya.

The inquest at the Guildhall in Windsor, which was opened and adjourned by the coroner for Berkshire, Peter Bedford, heard Berezovsky could have been dead for up to 18 hours before he was found by his bodyguard.

"He was last seen alive at approximately 9.05pm on the evening of 22 March by the same employee [who discovered him on Saturday afternoon]," said Detective inspector Mark Bissell of Thames Valley police.

Bissell said it was not possible to eliminate completely the involvement of a third party while the investigation continues, but the coroner confirmed with him that "at the moment there was nothing to support such suspicious circumstances".

"The pathologist has found nothing to indicate a violent struggle nor anything to suggest the involvement of a third party," said Bissell.

Police are continuing investigations at Beresovsky's home on Mill Lane near Ascot. Toxicology and histology tests have yet to be completed.

"The scene is currently under police control and a search of the property remains in progress and is likely to do so for the next few days," said Bissell.

The coroner said Berezovsky had formally changed his name in 2003, and was described in court as Platon Yelenin.

Bedford said once he had appropriate information from Beresovsky's family he will sign a certificate allowing for a funeral to take place.

The Guardian