Bombing victims' inquests opened

Inquests have been opened and adjourned into the deaths of three people from Essex killed in the London bombings.

Gladys Wundowa, 50, of Ilford, died in the Tavistock Square bus bombing.

Giles Hart, 55, from Hornchurch, is also thought to have been on the number 30 bus and Lee Baisdan, 34, of Romford, is believed to have died at Aldgate.

Coroner Dr Andrew Reid, sitting at St Pancras Coroners' Court, offered his "sincere sympathy" to the victims' families and adjourned the inquests.

Mrs Wundowa's body has been released for burial in her native Ghana.

She had been working as a secretary and counsellor at the African development agencies in the capital.

He was always a champion of liberty and human rights and a campaigner against political injustice and bigotry Family of Giles Hart

Her former boss, Dr Adu Seray-Wurie, said she had played a key role in the organisation's work in administration and as a councillor.

"She helped give advice to homeless people and others who needed help or advice. Today helps draw a line under what happened and does bring some closure," he added.

British Telecom engineer Mr Hart, who worked at the Angel Centre, Islington, was described by his family as a treasured husband, father, son and brother.

He leaves a widow Danuta, daughter Maryla, 21, son Martin, 17, mother Elsie, 85, and sister Erica. Giles worked for BT as an office-based engineer.

In a statement his family said: "He was always a champion of liberty and human rights and a campaigner against political injustice and bigotry. It is tragic that he fell victim to the very evil against which he had struggled.

"We hope his many friends and colleagues will continue with his campaigns for freedom and justice, to make the world a fairer and greener place to live in."

Still missing

Among those still missing after the bombings is solicitor Fiona Stevenson, 29, from Little Baddow, Essex.

Her parents, Ivan and Emer, have not heard from her since the morning of the attacks when she left her home in the Barbican to go to work.

Police said that, although they still lived in hope their daughter was alive, they were having to face up to the likelihood that she was killed.