Dental hygienist dies after being found outside flats

A Devon dental hygienist has passed away after being found unresponsive on the floor by a passer-by. Atlantic Way in Westward Ho! was closed in both directions following the discovery of 45-year-old Victoria Beer.

An inquest recently opened into her death at Exeter Coroner's Court. The short hearing heard Ms Beer was born in Barnstaple and lived by the location she was found on Kingsley Road at 8.30am on September 20.

Senior coroner Philip Spinney said: "The circumstances of the death are a member of the public found Victoria lying on the ground outside a block of flats. 999 was called and paramedics arrived.

"Advanced life support was given but sadly her death was confirmed at 8.30am. At this stage, the precise cause of death has not yet been ascertained."

The inquest was adjourned for a full inquest to be held on a yet to be confirmed later date. Following Ms Beer's death, the busy B3236 North Devon road was closed in both directions for police to carry out an investigation at the scene. The road reopened by 1.30pm.