Peter Sutcliffe, who murdered 13 women between 1975 and 1980, had diabetes, heart and kidney disease and was told he was vulnerable to Covid. An inquest heard he declined to be shielded at Frankland Prison, Durham, and died aged 74 in November.

       Coroner Crispin Oliver said Sutcliffe, jailed for life, "died a natural death having received good medical care".

       He added: "Speaking to the victims' families, loved ones and friends, I hope you have some sense of closure at this point and that your loved ones, the victims, may better rest in peace now."

       Sutcliffe's next of kin, ex-wife Sonia Woodward, declined to attend the inquest at Crook, Co Durham.