Amy Winehouse family 'taking advice'

London -The family of singer Amy Winehouse said on Wednesday they were "taking advice" over revelations that the inquest into her death could be declared invalid after the coroner resigned.

Suzanne Greenaway, who ruled in October that the Back to Black star had died after drinking heavily following a period of abstinence, has quit because she was not qualified to practise in Britain.

She had been appointed to her job by Andrew Reid, the coroner for inner north London, who is also her husband.

The Office for Judicial Complaints has now launched an investigation into Reid's conduct.

In a statement, the singer's relatives said: "The Winehouse family is taking advice on the implications of this and will decide if any further discussion with the authorities is needed."

'I apologise'

In October, Greenaway recorded a verdict of misadventure after Winehouse, 27, died of alcohol poisoning in her flat in north London.

Reid said he appointed his wife - who previously worked as a lawyer in Australia - in the belief that her previous experience "satisfied the requirements of the post".

"In November of last year it became apparent that I had made an error in the appointment process and I accepted her resignation," he added.

"While I am confident that all of the inquests handled were done so correctly, I apologise if this matter causes distress to the families and friends of the deceased.

"I will be writing to the families affected to personally apologise and offer for their cases to reheard if requested."