Inquest into the death of Shane Gilmer who was killed with a crossbow by his neighbour starts today

Shane Gilmer, 30, was attacked and fatally injured with a crossbow by his neighbour Anthony Lawrence, at the home he shared with his partner in Southburn, near Driffield, on January 12, 2018.

Lawrence, 55, had broken into the home of Mr Gilmer and his pregnant partner Laura Sugden, 30, while they were enjoying an evening out.

He lay in wait until they returned home before attacking them both - killing Mr Gilmer, a housing officer for East Riding of Yorkshire Council, and leaving Miss Sugden with significant head and neck injuries. Fortunately she and their baby survived.

A search was launched to find Lawrence and his body was found in a remote area of North Yorkshire three days later. As a result no criminal trial took place.The inquest into the circumstances of Shane’s death will start at Hull Coroner's Court today and is expected to last until Friday. A jury will be present.

Ison Harrison solicitors are representing Miss Sugden at the inquest.

A firm spokeswoman said: "Shane and Laura lived next door to Anthony Lawrence in a semi-detached property in Southburn, near Driffield, East Riding of Yorkshire. The couple had been together for two years and shared their home with Laura’s daughter from a previous relationship.

"During the attack both Laura and Shane managed to call the emergency services.

"Anthony Lawrence was subsequently found dead on January 14, 2018. The inquest into his death has not yet taken place."