Castleford woman died after being dragged 20ft by car

Wakefield Coroner’s Court was told 52-year-old Anita Duncan had been involved in a dispute with a friend over money on January 28.

West Yorkshire Coroner David Hinchliff said Miss Duncan argued with the woman again shortly after midnight on January 29 as her friend was about to drive a car away from an address on Fryston Road, Airedale, Castleford.

The inquest opening heard unemployed Miss Duncan, of Fryston Road, Castleford, was not fully inside the car when she took hold of the steering wheel as the car was driven off.

Mr Hinchliff said: “Miss Duncan was still holding on to the steering wheel, which caused her to be dragged some 20ft before she fell into the road.”

Mr Hinchliff said Miss Duncan, who was divorced, was pronounced dead in the intensive care unit at Leeds General Infirmary on February 1.

The inquest opening heard a post mortem has been carried out but results of clinical tests are awaited. The inquest was adjourned pending the outcome of police enquiries.

A West Yorkshire Police spokeswoman said the force is investigating the circumstances leading up to Miss Duncan’s death.

The spokeswoman added: “The 52-year-old died on February 1 following a road traffic incident in Fryston Road in the early hours of 29 January. A 43-year-old woman was arrested on 30 January on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm with intent and is currently on bail.”