THE inquest into the death of murdered mother-of-six Zainab Begum, whose body has never been found, could take place later this year.

Mrs Begum, 56, was killed and dismembered by son-in-law Muhammed Arshad, 38, in 2003.

Now coroner Michael Singleton has applied for permission to held an inquest without a body.

The inquest can now go ahead after Arshad failed in his appeal to have his 24-year sentence reduced.

Mrs Begum, of Burnley Road, Accrington, was killed by Arshad in the front room of her home.

Arshad, of Manchester, worked for Holland's Pies in Baxenden and also ran an Accrington takeaway, and it was claimed he dismembered her body.