THE victims of last month's triple-murder in Didcot were discovered by a friend of suspect Jed Allen, a coroner's court has heard.

Inquests into the deaths of Philip Howard, 44, Janet Jordon, 48, and Derin Jordon, six, were opened at Oxford Coroner's Court today.

The three were killed on Saturday, May 23 at their home in Vicarage Road, Didcot.

Allen was later found dead in woodland near Marston Ferry Road on Monday, May 25.

Police said it appeared he had died on Saturday, May 23, possibly before a massive police search to find him began.

Det Sgt Ali Driver of Thames Valley Police told the court it was presumed the three were killed at some point during the afternoon of Saturday, May 23.

He said: "The first call to police was on May 23 at 8.22pm.

"It was a call from a friend of Jed Allen who had received a concerning text from Jed and had gone to his house to try to find him.

"Instead he found the body of Philip Howard and called the police."

Officers found Mr Howard downstairs and Ms Jordon and Derin upstairs.

All three had suffered multiple stab wounds.

Ms Jordon and Mr Howard were identified by fingerprint while Derin was identified by her uncle Nick Portnall at the John Radcliffe Hospital.

Dt Sgt Driver said Allen was found hanging in woodland near Marston Ferry Road by dog walkers shortly before 5pm on May 25.

He said: "It is still under some investigation however it would seem quite likely that his death occurred on the May 23 as well."

He added the investigation into the deaths would continue for "a couple of months" as officers attempted to track the movements of all four prior to the murders, as well as trying to establish a motive for the killings.

Oxfordshire Coroner Darren Salter said : "This is obviously a sad and shocking case.

"I send my condolences to the family."

The inquest was adjourned to resume at a date to be set in the future.