An inquest has opened into the death of a football fan who was trampled to death by a police horse.

Swansea City fan Terry Coles died in hospital after suffering crush injuries before the Third Division championship decider between Swansea City and Rotherham United.

The 42-year-old father-of-two, had travelled from his home in Morriston, Swansea, for the game at Rotherham's Millmoor Ground last Saturday.

Mr Coles' estranged wife, Christine, 39, told the inquest she identified her husband's body at Rotherham District General Hospital in the early hours of Sunday.

She said: "In the first instance I heard it was a minor injury and for me not to be concerned, but obviously it developed.

"I knew before I left home to go to Rotherham that he'd actually died."

Investigation

Mrs Coles, the mother of Mr Coles' two children, said her former husband, who was a drayman for Bass Brewers, was an "enthusiastic" Swansea supporter.

South Yorkshire Police and the Police Complaints' Authority have launched investigations into the tragedy, which happened as the horse was being ridden towards rival fans who were throwing missiles at each other.

The mounted officer involved has not been suspended from duty.

Rotherham Coroner Stanley Hooper released Mr Coles' body for cremation and adjourned the inquest for further inquiries.

Seventeen people were charged with various public order offences after being arrested before and after the match.

They were all due to appear in court this week.