A WOMAN died after travelling from Blackpool to Bolton to visit a friend, an inquest opening heard.

Donna Barlow, from Blackpool, died aged 53 at an address on Bury Road in Bolton on January 23.

The inquest heard from police coroner’s officer Andrew Pickles, who said that paramedics arrived at the property and pronounced her dead at the scene.

Evidence of drug use was found at the scene.

Her body was later identified by her friend Lee Owen at the same address.

At the time of Ms Barlow’s death, England was in a full-scale national lockdown.

The short hearing was given evidence by a pathologist who found evidence of drugs in her system.

READ MORE: Tragic death of 'charming man' who caught Covid in hospital

Dr Pearson at Royal Bolton Hospital conducted a post mortem examination on the body.

The hearing was told that traces of morphine, methadone and benzodiazepines were found in her system.

Area coroner for Manchester West, Alan Walsh, said that statements had been requested from Ms Barlow’s GP, as well as from Greater Manchester Police, mental health services and the community drugs team.

An investigation was opened into her death on February 3, the court heard.

The inquest will resume at Bolton Coroner's Court on June 22 at 11.30am.

READ MORE: Woman found dead at bottom of stairs by ex-partner