THE inquests into the deaths of a mother and son who died a tragic car fire in Thorpe Bay opened today in Chelmsford.

Catherine Mhlaba, 45, and Beki Ali, 16, of Blytyh Avenue, Shoebury, were found dead in a burnt out Vauxhall Vectra on Thorpe Esplanade on Tuesday night.

Following a post mortem on Friday, assistant coroner for Essex, Eleanor McGann, said the pair died of burning and inhalation through combustion.

The inquest was adjourned until May.