The body of a Harpenden woman could have been in her home for two weeks before it was discovered, an inquest was told.

Sheila Fisher was found in the front room of her Ashwell Park home on September 5, 2014, by police who had forced entry following concerns for her welfare.

Hertfordshire's Senior Coronor Edward Thomas led an inquest into the death yesterday, and concluded that Ms Fisher died of natural causes.

Hatfield Coroner's Court heard the 59-year-old had not been seen for two weeks, and a statement read to the court from her brother Stephen Barnard said Ms Fisher suffered severe anxiety and was sometimes agoraphobic.

Mr Barnard said he last saw his sister in March, when he was concerned about her high blood pressure. He said: “Although she lived in a very nice quiet part of the town surrounded by friendly people she didn’t always go out.”

A post mortem carried out by Dr Wahaab was unable to give a cause of death because of decomposition.

He said there were no visible signs of injury.