Armed police only discovered the “significantly burnt” body of an elderly widow after putting out a fire on her lawn in Marlow Bottom, it has been revealed today.

The inquest into the death of Tina Choules, 81, from Ragmans Lane, was opened and adjourned at Buckinghamshire Coroner’s Court this afternoon.

The pensioner, who lived alone after her husband Michael Choules passed away, was found dead outside her home by police on July 6.

DI Andy Shearwood, from the Thames Valley Major Crime Unit at Taplow Police Station, said a 999 call was made by Mrs Choules at around 6.30am and a male voice was heard in the background before the line was disconnected.

Officers responded to the call and approached the scene on foot through nearby woodland where they discovered a fire outside Mrs Choules’ home.

DI Shearwood said a suspect was arrested at the scene with the help of armed police.

He said: “The fire was put out and it was clear that a body of a female was in the fire.

“She had been significantly burnt from the head down. No lifesaving opportunities were available and a paramedic declared her dead on the scene at 8.10am.”

The next day (July 7), forensic pathologists examined the remains and said the cause of death was likely to be multiple injuries.

Her identity was obtained by comparing DNA to that on a toothbrush inside the house.

Senior coroner, Crispin Butler, opened and adjourned the inquest due to ongoing criminal proceedings.

He also confirmed they were awaiting results of a post-mortem.

Mrs Choules’ niece and other family members were present for the opening of the inquest.

• Tautuydas Narbutas, 23, of Chiltern Avenue, High Wycombe, has been charged with murder and two counts of attempted section 18 GBH – wounding with intent. A trial date has been set for January 10, 2017.