THE bodies of a couple who died in a car have been returned to their families.

Thomas Putt and Nikki Willis were found in his car outside her home in Fox Crescent, Chelmsford.

Inquests into their deaths were opened at Essex Coroner’s Court on Friday.

Coroner’s Officer David Dinnell told the inquest Miss Willis, 23, was found unresponsive in his blue Ford Fiesta on Monday. December 5.

An ambulance was called and when paramedics arrived they confirmed she had died.

A post mortem examination was carried out at Broomfield Hospital by Dr Ben Swift and histology and toxicology reports have been ordered.

Mr Putt, of Wren Close, Leigh-on-Sea, was also declared dead at the scene.

The inquest heard police cordoned off the area and an investigation has been carried out.

A full joint inquest will be held on March 21.

Tributes have been paid to the young couple.

Mr Putt’s family said: "We are utterly shocked and devastated at the death of our darling son Tom.

"He was a whirlwind in our lives from day one, always cheeky, always smiling.

"He was maturing into a charming, kind and lovely young man.

"Tom touched many people’s lives and hearts and we are so grateful for all the touching messages and kind words we have received from his friends.

"He was an engineering apprentice and was passionate about cars, his hockey and football, especially his team, Manchester United.

"He had recently achieved a long-time ambition to see them play at Old Trafford and he was so thrilled about being able to do this.

"He would have turned 21 next month and we can’t believe that we won’t be sharing the rest of his life with him.

"We and your sisters love you Tom and will miss you for the rest of our lives.”

Mr Putt was a car enthusiast, a member of the London Motorsport Group and played hockey at the Old Southendian Hockey Club.

Miss Willis’s family said: "Our gorgeous baby girl, daughter, stepdaughter, sister, girlfriend and friend of so many.

"We are so proud of you even though your time here was too short.

"You loved life and always had a smile.

"You will never be forgotten, always and forever in our hearts and memories.

"Our angel now has her wings.”

The cause of deaths are not known but may be the result of accidental carbon monoxide poisoning.

The deaths are not being treated as suspicious.