Berezovsky ‘may have hanged himself from shower’

Russian oligarch Boris Berezovsky was found lying on his bathroom floor with a “ligature around his neck”, a policeman has told the opening of an inquest into his death.

• It has been confirmed that the cause of his death was ‘consistent with hanging’

• A similar material to the one around his neck was found on the shower rail above him

• Toxicology tests on the body and searches of his home will continue

Detective Inspector Mark Bissell said that the cause of the 67-year-old’s death was “consistent with hanging” and that a similar material to that around his neck was found on the shower rail above him.

He said toxicology tests on the body will continue as well as searches at his home in Ascot, Berkshire.

The inquest at the Guildhall in Windsor was opened and adjourned yesterday by Berkshire coroner Peter Bedford, and coroner’s officer Janine Prunty confirmed that Mr Berezovsky’s daughter, Elizaveta Berezovskaya, formally identified the body.

A post-mortem examination by a Home Office pathologist found no indication of a violent struggle in connection with the death of Mr Berezovsky, who was referred to yesterday as Platon Elemin due to him changing his name by deed poll. The Russian exile was found dead at his home in Ascot, last Saturday.

Mr Bissell, of Thames Valley Police, said an employee found and identified Mr Berezovsky, and said he was on the bathroom floor with a “ligature around his neck and a piece of the similar material on the shower rail above him”.

He added that Mr Berezovsky was last seen alive at approximately 9:05pm the night before by the same employee.

Although the post-mortem examination found no evidence of a struggle, Mr Bissell said the involvement of a third party “cannot be completely eliminated as tests remain outstanding”.

The inquest was adjourned to a future date by Mr Bedford.

Mr Berezovsky fell out with Russian President Vladimir Putin and often feared for his life – prompting speculation in Britain and Russia over the manner of his death.

Even though police said they have found no evidence that anyone else was involved, this has not stopped widespread speculation.

Officers specialising in chemical, biological, radiological and nuclear substances examined the country mansion on Sunday before declaring it safe.

An employee of Mr Berezovsky, believed to be a bodyguard, had called for an ambulance shortly after 3pm on Saturday after forcing open a bathroom door and finding the oligarch dead on the floor.

The employee, who had not seen Mr Berezovsky since Friday night, had become concerned for his welfare, according to police.

Officers said they were speaking to the Russian’s close friends and family to build up a picture of his state of mind.

It is thought that he was having serious financial difficulties after paying out astronomical sums in legal fees over the last few years, and wanted to return to Russia.

The oligarch, who last year lost a multi-billion-pound High Court battle with Chelsea Football Club owner Roman Abramovich, could have run up more than £100 million in legal bills since 2011.

In July 2011, he paid out Britain’s biggest-ever divorce settlement to his ex-wife, Galina Besharova. Reports suggested the deal was worth more than £100 million.