Mental health officials are to be asked if the death of a woman who fell into the sea could have been prevented.

A pre-inquest review into the death of Sarah Stringer, from Folkestone, was held this week, outlining how the inquest will take place.

Central and South East Kent assistant coroner Chris Morris said the inquest should be a “wider investigation”.

He hinted there may be “an arguable case” that the Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust (KMPT) could have done more to stop Miss Stringer’s death.

She was known to mental health teams in Shepway and the hearing was told an appointment book shows when she was meeting with them.

Despite efforts to revive her in a helicopter on the way to hospital, Miss Stringer, 39, died on arrival at William Harvey Hospital in Ashford.

Emergency services, including lifeboats, coastguard helicopter, police and paramedics were called to the beach at Folkestone at about 5.50am on November 22 last year.

Miss Stringer’s family attended the coroner’s court at the Archbishop’s Palace in Maidstone. A lawyer representing KMPT also attended.

At the inquest opening last month, Mr Morris had noted the cause of death as hypothermia and drowning due to immersion in sea water.

Mr Morris ruled the full inquest would not be held with a jury. He said he wanted to hear from witnesses from the health service and mental health teams who were “at the coalface” and in contact with Miss Stringer.

He said: “Miss Stringer’s case is not one that the law says should be heard by a jury automatically.

“There’s a broader type of inquest looking at circumstances, not only by what means but by what means and other circumstances they came by their death.

“It should be a wider investigation.

“It strikes me from what I’ve read on Sarah’s notes that there is an arguable case that the trust was on notice and capable of something in their power that could have been done about it.

“It’s not presupposing any information that when someone tragically dies in the midst of receiving the service, the NHS undertakes their own investigation. I would expect to see that. I request a copy of it.

“As investigations have progressed the situation surrounding Sarah’s death has proved more complicated.”

Floral tributes were left at Folkestone Harbour earlier this year describing Miss Stringer as brave and inspiring.

A note read: “You left a legacy of hope and kindness. Your bravery is an inspiration for all who are recovering from childhood or adult trauma.

“You educated us about post traumatic stress. You will never be forgotten. I hope you are at peace now.”

An investigation was launched after it emerged police had previous contact with Ms Stringer.

Kent Police referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission. It concluded the force should carry out an internal investigation, which is under way.