A CORONER will resume an inquest into the death of a vulnerable young man who was murdered by two of his friends.

Phillip 'Harry' Nicholson, who was 22, was killed by Richard Moors and Isabella Gossling at the couple's flat in Sea Road, Boscombe on May 26 2015.

Mr Nicholson, who lived in supported accommodation in Parkstone, was "tormented" and murdered in an attack a senior police officer called "one of the most harrowing cases [he] had dealt with in 30 years."

An inquest was opened and adjourned in June 2015, but a decision was made not to resume the hearing in December that year after Gossling, found guilty of murder following a trial, was sentenced to life behind bars with a minimum term of 19 years. Moors, who admitted murder, was also sentenced to life and will serve a minimum term of 22 years.

Yesterday morning, Dorset coroner Rachael Griffin said she had received correspondence from Mr Nicholson's family requesting the inquest be resumed.

The family is involved in a civil dispute with Dorset Police, and Dorset County Council, and are claiming for damages under article two of the Human Rights Act, it was heard. The article protects right to life.

Dorset Police is also being investigated by the Independent Officer for Police Conduct (IOPC).

"I have received a written submission from the family, who are inviting me to resume the inquest," Mrs Griffin said.

"I have a submission on behalf of Care Division, who are seeking that I do not resume."

However, after hearing representations from counsel acting for a range of interested parties, including Poole Borough Council, Dorset Police, Dorset County Council and Care Division, which offers home and learning disability care support in Poole, Mrs Griffin said a full inquest will take place.

"The criminal trial did not consider the actions of the police in the lead-up to the death, nor the actions of staff members of Care Division," she said.

"These are wider aspects that need to be considered in order to determine if there were any facets of these contacts that could have prevented Mr Nicholson's death."

Further pre-inquest reviews are planned ahead of the full hearing, which is likely to take place next year.

Both Gossling and Moors could also be represented at the inquest if they choose to be.

At the end of the hearing, Mrs Griffin asked Mr Nicholson's mum and dad how she should refer to him in the future.

Mrs Nicholson replied: "Harry - because he loved Harry Potter."

The next hearing will take place on Monday, July 16.