INQUESTS into the deaths of a father who apparently shot dead his former partner and his four-year-old daughter before turning the gun on himself were opened and adjourned today.

Andy Copland, 56, is believed to have killed Julie Harrison, 40, and their daughter, Maisie, at his home in Hampshire, last Tuesday before shooting himself.

Copland and Maisie died at the scene, while Ms Harrison was taken to St George's Hospital in Tooting, south London, where she died on Wednesday morning.

Hampshire police said that post-mortem examinations on the three bodies showed that they had all died from single gunshot wounds to the head.

North Hampshire coroner Andrew Bradley said the inquests were opened and evidence of identification was heard before they were adjourned until March 31 when they will resume and be concluded.

Police said earlier it appeared the shootings took place as Maisie was dropped off for a visit to her father's in Church Hill, Aldershot.

Police called to the property were met with a ''very traumatic'' scene.

Officers attempted to resuscitate Maisie but she was pronounced dead a short while later.

Police said painter and decorator Copland had previous convictions from 23 years ago that led to a two-year prison sentence.

These charges were in relation to him harassing his former wife, Christine, threatening her with a crossbow and setting her car alight.

A police spokeswoman said investigations into how he had possession of a gun and was able to kill his daughter and former partner were continuing.

Officers have denied reports that there had been a history of abuse and violence against Miss Harrison and said Copland was not known to them.