Inquest opens into Harrier death

The pilot died from multiple injuries

An inquest into the death of one of Britain's most distinguished fighter pilots was opened and adjourned on Tuesday morning.

Lieutenant Commander Martin London, 43, died when his Sea Harrier jump jet crashed on the Northamptonshire - Cambridgeshire border on Thursday.

The Northamptonshire coroner, Anne Pember, was told the Royal Navy pilot died from multiple injuries after ejecting from the £20m jet soon after take-off from RAF Wittering.

A second un-named pilot ejected safely before the plane exploded.

Funeral arrangements

Both men were from the Royal Naval Air Station in Yeovilton, Somerset, and were on attachment to Wittering, which is known as the home base of the Harrier.

Commander London's body has been released to his family, who are now making arrangements for his funeral.

A board of inquiry set up to look into the accident is expected to last several months.