A BIRMINGHAM woman who died in police custody had a fresh graze on her forehead and a puncture wound on her hand, paramedics sent to help her told an inquest.

Linda Burt died following an argument with her mother at her flat in Trident Close, Erdington, in September 2003.

The 49-year-old was arrested for a breach of the peace at the property she owned with her 81-year-old mother, Beryl.

But she suffered a cardiac arrest in a police car and died at Good Hope Hospital in Sutton Coldfield. A post-mortem examination revealed she suffered from heart disease.

After a two-year inquiry into Ms Burt’s death, the Crown Prosecution Service decided there was no evidence to bring any charges against anyone.

Paramedic Nicholas Goring, who was part of the first crew called to help Miss Burt, said a police officer told him there had been a “scuffle en route”.

Ambulance technician Chris Bayliss said he asked a sergeant at the scene what caused the graze on Ms Burt’s head and the marks on her knuckle.

“He didn’t respond and he shut the (ambulance) doors. I was a little bit surprised at the response,” he said.

Earlier, a neighbour told the jury that two officers “dragged” Ms Burt from her mother’s house. Michelle Leek said: “I remember her shouting: ‘You’re hurting me’ and I thought they were being a bit rough..”

The inquest, at Sutton Coldfield Town Hall, continues today.