It has emerged in a pre-inquest review that two teenagers found dead in a Dorset nature reserve had been arrested days earlier.

The bodies of Jack Michael Williams, 18, and Katherine Susan Jane Powell, 17, were found in Bothenhampton Nature Reserve, near Bridport, on the morning of Tuesday, January 25, 2022.

Dorset Coroner's Court in Bournemouth heard the the provisional cause of death, following initial examinations, was hanging.

The inquest into their deaths which initially opened in February, 2022 heard that emergency services were called to the beauty spot, in Wych Hill, and the pair were confirmed dead by paramedics at the scene.

Dorset Police had previously been in contact with both of the teens prior to their deaths following Mr Williams’ arrest on November 22, 2021, and Mr Williams’ and Miss Powell’s arrest on January 19, 2022.

Dorset Police referred itself to the policing watchdog.

Ms Powell was reported missing by her father on January 22, 2022, and James Williams was reported missing on January 24, 2022.

The pre-inquest review was presided over by Area Coroner Brendan Allen, and the court agreed that the pair will have a joint inquest which will provisionally take place on March 24, 2025, for an approximate period of two weeks 

The delay is partly due to a lack of required documents.

Melanie Williamson of Warwickshire County Council told the court that it may take another ‘three to four months for the county council’s report'.

Additional documentation is also needed from Dorset Police, Dorset Council and Ms Powell’s Dorset GP.

At the initial inquest, a court heard that the pair were found in woodland.

The inquest, presided over by senior coroner Rachael Griffin, heard that there was no third-party involvement in the deaths of either teenager - Mr Williams, of West Bay Road, Bridport, and Miss Powell, of Kenilworth, Warwickshire.

Ms Griffin said at the inquest that both teenagers had been identified by mortuary staff by means of custody images from Dorset Police’s database.

READ MORE: Teens found dead at Bothenhampton Nature Reserve have been named.

Representatives from Dorset Police, Warwickshire Police, Warwickshire County Council, Dorset Healthcare, and the IOPC were all present via a live link.

Additionally, family members of Ms Powell and Mr Williams were also present via a live link.

READ MORE: Dorset Police refers itself to watchdog after teen deaths at Bothenhampton Reservoir in Bridport

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