POOLE nurse Rui Li died as a result of blunt force trauma to the head, an inquest heard today.

The 44-year-old’s body, discovered in the boot of a silver Fiat Punto on Friday evening, was identified yesterday by her daughter Lu Yao, 18.

At the inquest, coroner’s officer Andrew Lord said: “She had been reported as missing by family members as she had not been seen since May 23.

“Officers investigating her disappearance located her body in the boot of a vehicle in Verwood Crescent, Southbourne.

“Dorset Police and Her Majesty’s Coroner are carrying out further investigations.”

He said pathologist Dr Deborah Cook had identified the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head, pending toxicology and histology results. Mrs Li’s death was confirmed at 2.08pm on Saturday, May 31.

The court heard she was born in Shan Xi, China, on April 11, 1970. She lived in Burnham Drive, Bournemouth.

Assistant coroner Brendan Allen said due to the on-going police investigation the case would be adjourned until November 4.