Berezovsky found with ligature around his neck, says inquest
Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky was found lying on his bathroom floor with a “ligature around his neck”, said a policeman at the opening of the inquest into his death.
Detective Inspector Mark Bissell confirmed that the cause of the 67-year-old’s death was “consistent with hanging”, and material similar to that around his neck was also found on the shower rail above him.
But further toxicology tests on the body will continue as well as searches at his Berkshire home, he added.
The inquest into Berezovsky’s death was opened and adjourned by Berkshire Coroner Peter Bedford on Thursday at the Guildhall in Windsor.
The Russian tycoon, who had lived in the UK since 2000, was found dead at his home in Mill Lane, Ascot on Saturday.
Coroner’s officer Janine Prunty confirmed that Berezovsky’s daughter, Elizaveta Berezovskaya, had formally identified the body.
A post-mortem examination by a Home Office pathologist found no indication of a violent struggle in connection with the death of Berezovsky, who was referred to during the inquest as Platon Elemin because he had changed his name by deed poll.
Third party involvement ‘cannot be completely eliminated’
Mr Bissell, of Thames Valley Police, said an employee found and identified Mr Berezovsky, and said he was on the bathroom floor with a “ligature around his neck and a piece of the similar material on the shower rail above him”.
Berezovsky was last seen alive at approximately 9.05pm the night before by the same employee.
Mr Bissell said the scene of the death is currently under police control and the results of any tests carried out will take several weeks.
Although the post-mortem examination found no evidence of a violent struggle, Mr Bissell said the involvement of a third party “cannot be completely eliminated as tests remain outstanding”.
Berezovsky was granted political assylum in 2003, after authorities ruled his life would be in danger in Russia.
He was most recently in the headlines last year, when he lost a legal battle with fellow Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich, owner of Chelsea football club, and was deemed an “unreliable witness”.
The inquest – which was opened in the room next to the chamber where the Prince of Wales married the Duchess of Cornwall and where Elton John’s civil partnership to David Furnish took place – was adjourned to a future date by coroner Mr Bedford.