THE bodies of the three East Anglian victims of the horrific coach crash in Germany, including that of a Suffolk schoolboy, have been returned to this country.

THE bodies of the three East Anglian victims of the horrific coach crash in Germany, including that of a Suffolk schoolboy, have been returned to this country.

It was a week ago when the half-term skiing trips organised by two East Anglian schools turned to tragedy.

Coaches from the Thomas Mills High School at Framlingham and Norwich School were involved in an accident with a lorry on the A4 autobahn near Cologne during the early hours of Saturday, February 11.

Stuart Dines, 14, of Woodbridge, who was in the coach from the Framlingham school, was pronounced dead at the scene.

Also killed in the crash was relief driver Ron Lees, 69, of Gorleston who was on board the second coach involved in the accident.

Norwich School secretary Jane Irving, 53, also on board the second coach, died from her injuries in a Cologne hospital on Monday, February 13.

Other pupils and members of staff on board both coaches, including those who were injured, returned home last weekend.

Staff at the British Consulate in Dusseldorf have been liaising between the German authorities and families in England since the accident.

Thomas Wittek, spokesman for the consulate, confirmed yesterday that the bodies of the three people who died as a result of the accident have been returned to this country.

“British Consulate staff have been talking to the German authorities and keeping families in England up to date with what is happening.

“The bodies of those killed in the crash have now been returned to England so that the families can make the funeral arrangements,” he said.

On Thursday Coroners in the Cologne area heard evidence of identification and medical evidence as they began their investigation into the accident.

As part of a legal system similar to inquests that are held in this country the coroners were able to release the bodies and adjourn their inquiries to a later date.

In a separate investigation German highway police in the Cologne area are continuing to question the lorry driver involved in the accident and carry out detailed surveys of all three vehicles involved in the accident.

It is not believed that anyone has been charged with any offences at this stage.

Pupils at both East Anglian schools have been on their half-term break all week but will return to school on Monday.

Staff are expecting an emotional day for everyone connected with the schools and specialist counsellors will be available to offer help if needed.