A BABY girl found dead with multiple stab wounds also showed potential signs of strangulation and suffocation, an inquest heard.

Harley Roxy Ruck, aged 11 months, was found in the flat she shared with her mother Jade Ruck in St David's Road, Mardy, Abergavenny, on November 20, just four days before her first birthday.

Despite attempts to resuscitate her she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The opening of an inquest into her death was told post mortem examination results revealed she suffered multiple stab wounds but there was also "evidence of possible suffocation and strangulation".

Further tests to determine the precise cause of her death are being carried out.

Gwent Coroner David Bowen adjourned the Newport inquest on Friday pending police enquiries and released her body to her family.

Harley's funeral will take place on Monday, December 20 at St Mary's Church.

A serious case review into her death is being conducted and Monmouthshire council has referred the killing to the Care and Social Services Inspectorate Wales.