An inquest has been abruptly halted after the family of a three-month-old girl was rocked by news that her body was sent back to this country with the heart missing.

Alanya Taylor Watson died while on holiday with her family in Fuerteventura, in the Canary Islands, last March.

Assistant Deputy Coroner James Turnbull immediately adjourned yesterday's hearing so his officers could investigate the return of the missing heart with Spanish authorities.

The revelation was made by consultant pathologist Dr Phillip Batman, who specialises in infant deaths, as he gave evidence to Bradford Coroner's Court.

The inquest was told that Alanya was apparently sleeping in the same bed with both her mother and grandmother.

Dr Phillip Batman, who carried out a post-mortem examination, said: ''It's not possible to arrive with any certainty a conclusion about the cause of death but there are two possibilities, namely cot death or asphyxia.''

He said it was ''well recognised'' that sleeping in bed with a young baby would place it at risk from overlaying.

He then confirmed the child's heart was not returned with her body for tests.

Alanya's 22-year-old mother Coleen Watson, of Robin Close, Eccleshill, Bradford, broke down in tears when she heard the revelation.

Her mother Eileen Watson, also visibly distressed, told the hearing that after speaking to a pathologist in Spain, she was told the child had not died from overlaying, but from a heart problem.

Mr Turnbull said that a coroner's officer would be making inquiries to find out about the return of her heart.

He added the hearing would be adjourned for further information to be made available.