A woman alleged to have been murdered by Bradford criminology student Stephen Griffiths died from severe head injuries caused by a crossbow bolt and a knife, an inquest heard.

Human remains, identified through forensic DNA techniques as those of 36-year-old Suzanne Blamires, were found in the River Aire at Shipley, along with a body part belonging to another Bradford woman, Shelley-Marie Armitage, 31.

Detective Superintendent Sukhbir Singh, of West Yorkshire Police’s Homicide and Major Enquiry Team, told the Bradford inquest yesterday he was in charge of three investigations into the disappearance of sex workers – Susan Rushworth, 43, of Manningham, who was reported missing by her daughter in June last year, and Miss Armitage and Miss Blamires, both of Allerton, who were reported missing by their boyfriends in April and May this year.

Det Supt Singh said Stephen Griffiths, 40, of Holmfield Court, Thornton Road, Bradford, was arrested on suspicion of murdering all three women.

West Yorkshire Coroner Roger Whittaker, describing them as two tragic cases, released Miss Blamires’ body for burial at Bowling Cemetery, and Miss Armitage for cremation at Rawdon.

Mr Whittaker adjourned their cases pending the conclusion of the criminal process.