AN inquest into the murder of a Hampshire mum dramatically collapsed today.

On day seven of the inquest into the death of Naomi Bryant, coroner Grahame Short told jurors "further evidence" had come to light that needed to be looked at.

The jury was discharged by the coroner.

Mr Short said: "During the course of yesterday further evidence came to light of which I was unaware. As a consequence of that, I have come to the decision I will need to call further witnesses and some of them that we have already heard from will need questions put to them again.

"With great reluctance I have come to the conclusion that I have no alternative but to discharge you from your duties and reconvene with these further witnesses.

"It is most unfortunate and I feel you have had some flavour of the issues that have arisen from this case that you would have been keen to participate in. I would like to thank you for your time."

The inquest was stopped as senior Hampshire probation officer Catherine Morgan was giving her evidence about why Anthony Rice, 48, who murdered Winchester mother Ms Bryant in 2005 had been released on temporary licence to Elderfield House in Otterbourne despite having 22 previous convictions including rape, sexual assault and making threats to kill.

He also had one conviction for a serious sex assault on a five-year-old girl but was allowed to stay at the hostel, which was just 100 yards from Otterbourne Primary School.