Inquest opens on Jehovah's Witness

An inquest was opened yesterday into the death of a teenage Jehovah's Witness who is believed to have refused a blood transfusion.

Black Country Coroner Robin Balmain released the body of Joshua McAuley for cremation after a hearing in Smethwick.

Adjourning the inquest on the 15-year-old, Mr Balmain said the student was trapped between a Vauxhall Astra and a shop when the vehicle veered off Cape Hill in Smethwick on May 15.

A 28-year-old man, from the Winson Green area of Birmingham, was arrested and bailed.

Joshua, from Smethwick, had surgery for severe leg injuries.

Mr Balmain stressed that the circumstances of his death would have to be confirmed by evidence but added: "I am told he required a blood transfusion but, due to being a Jehovah's Witness, this option was declined."