Berezovsky had ligature around neck

Berezovsky, 67, was found dead Saturday at a country estate south of London, triggering speculation about the fate of a onetime tycoon known for his opposition to Russian President Vladimir Putin.

Police have said that thedeath was consistent with hanging and that there were no signs of a struggle.

An inquest by a coroner is standard procedure in the case of unnatural deaths in England.

The hearing at Windsor Guildhall opened Thursday morning with testimony from two witnesses.

Detective Inspector Mark Bissel, of Thames Valley Police, said the body was found in the bathroom with "a ligature around his neck" and a piece of similar material around a shower rail, but he did not specify what the material was, Kazinform has learnt from CNN.

The cause of death was consistent with hanging, with nothing to indicate a violent struggle or the involvement of a third person, he said.

Tests, including toxicology reports, continue, with results expected in several weeks, Bissel said.

The mansion where Berezovsky's body was found is still under police guard, and the search for evidence is expected to continue for the next few days, he said.

Coroner's officer Janine Prunty said the name of the deceased was Platon Elenin, formerly Boris Abramovich Berezovsky.

His body was formally identified by his daughter Elizaveta Berezovskaya on Tuesday.

The inquest was then adjourned to allow authorities to gather more evidence. The date for it to reopen has not yet been set.

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