THE inquest into missing teenager Natalie Putt recorded an open verdict, with the coroner ruling she died at her Gornal home or in the nearby area.

Natalie, aged 17 at the time of her disappearance, went missing from her home in Thornleigh, Lower Gornal on September 1 2003 after leaving the house to go to a shop nearby.

She was mother to a 11-week-old baby and has never been seen since.

No body has ever been found despite an extensive police investigation.

The inquest into the teenager's death took place at Black Country Coroner's Court on January 18, after an inquest was opened last November at the request of West Midlands Police.

Coroner Zafar Siddique recorded an open conclusion and stated: "I'm going to conclude the medical cause of death as ascertained. I am satisfied on the balance of probabilities she is deceased.

"From police inquiries it's not clear how she died but proof of life inquiries point to the fact she is deceased.

"From the evidence available it is clear she died in her home address or in the near vicinity on September 1 2003."

The court heard how Natalie was described as happy before her disappearance, and had shown no signs of wanting to leave home.

Natalie spent the morning of September 1 at home with her baby and the baby's father, Kevin McCallum, before leaving around midday when she said she was going to the shop to buy cigarettes.

She left the house with her purse and bank card, but left her phone, the court heard.

The court heard how McCallum had been interviewed by police about Natalie's disappearance and had at one point been arrested on suspicion of murder, but he was never charged.

He denied playing any part in Natalie's disappearance to the court.

Natalie's disappearance has been treated as a murder investigation since 2017 when proof of life was ruled out.

In that year a grave in Gornal and woodland close to Natalie's home was searched, but nothing was found.

Detective Sergeant Angela Baggott from the Force CID homicide review team explained how although the investigation was not 'live' it would be reviewed periodically.

Natalie's family were present at court, with her father and sister paying tribute to her as they gave evidence.

David Putt, Natalie's father, described her as 'fun-loving' and that 'she didn't seem to have any problems.'

One of Natalie's sister's, Rebecca Coggins, said: "She was one of those people who could walk into a room and light it up."

She added: "There's no way on earth she would have left her baby. That baby was her life, her entire world."

Closing proceedings, Mr Siddique said: "I don't think anyone in this court room can help but feel moved."

Describing the case as 'disturbing and shocking', he passed on his condolences to Natalie's family.