India Chipchase murder: Girlfriend of Kiwi rugby star died from 'pressure on neck'

India Chipcase was found strangled in a house after she went missing on a night out.

A 20-year-old doctor's daughter who was found dead after a night out with friends died due to pressure on her neck, an inquest has heard.

India Chipchase, who worked as a part-time barmaid, was last seen on January 30 in Northampton city centre after allegedly being turned away from a club.

She had been out with friends but was apparently told by NB's cocktail bar that she was too drunk to enter. The following night, the former private schoolgirl's body was found in a flat just under a kilometre away.

Edward Tenniswood, 51, has since been charged with murdering Miss Chipchase and has been remanded in custody. He is due to appear at Northampton Crown Court for a plea hearing on May 27.

India Chipchase with boyfriend Evaan Reihana, son of former All Black Bruce Reihana. Photo / Facebook

An inquest yesterday heard that the young woman - the girlfriend of New Zealand-born professional rugby player Evaan Reihana - died as a result of "pressure to the neck".

None of India's family attended the five-minute hearing, which took place at Kettering Magistrate's Court.

Senior coroner for Northamptonshire, Anne Pember, said: "India was found on Sunday, January 31.

"Her body was identified by a family member. The cause of death has been given as pressure on the neck." Ms Pember adjourned the inquest until August 17.

Miss Chipchase lived just over six kilometres from where her body was found, in a smart home with her mother Suzanne in the upmarket Wootton district on the edge of Northampton.

Her father Jeremy, 49, a doctor who specialises in obstetrics and gynaecology, is currently working in Australia.

After her death, Mr Reihana dedicated his career to her. He is the son of former All Black Bruce Reihana, who later joined Northampton Saints in 2002.

The sportsman, who is playing for Bordeaux Begles in France, wrote on Instagram: "I can't believe you have left us India. I will be playing for you for as long as I know."

Miss Chipchase herself was sports mad and a keen Northampton Saints rugby supporter.

Former England star Ben Cohen, who played for the club as a youngster, and former England fly-half Paul Grayson were among those who also paid tribute to the young woman.

Miss Chipchase had been a pupil at £12,000 ($25,000)-a-year Pitsford School, the county's leading small independent school which is situated in 26 acres of countryside alongside Pitsford Reservoir, outside Northampton.

She went on to attend Northampton College between September 2013 and June 2014, where she was awarded a diploma in health and social care.

At the time of her death, she worked at The Collingtree pub in East Hunsbury, on the outskirts of Northampton.

Shortly after Tenniswood's court appearance, Northamptonshire Police announced they had referred themselves to the Independent Police Complaints Commission "to ensure transparency in examining police action and responses before and during" the search for Miss Chipchase.

The force said in a statement: "We await the decision of the IPCC and will not be commenting further as the criminal investigation is now in the court process."

NB's has declined to comment.

-Daily Mail