A PROVISIONAL cause of death of a missing woman whose body was found in a Bolton flat cannot yet be confirmed, the authorities said.

Mother-of-three Victoria Cherry, aged 44 and from Preston, had not been seen for more than a year when her body was discovered in a first floor apartment in Toronto Street, Breightmet, on January 16.

It is understood from Bolton coroner's office that a pathologist has completed a post-mortem examination but no provisional cause of death can be deduced at this stage and investigations are ongoing.

Andrew Reade has been charged with obstructing the coroner during the course of his or her duty and perverting the course of justice.

The 43-year-old, of no fixed address and formerly of Toronto Street, has already appeared in Bolton Magistrates Court and was remanded in custody to appear before Bolton Crown Court on February 15.