The bodies of Jessica Chapman and Holly Wells were found in a "severely decomposed and partially skeletonised" state, and the girls were almost certainly not killed at the spot where they were found, an inquest was told yesterday.
The inquest, which was opened formally but then adjourned to allow for further police investigation, was told it was believed the deaths of the two girls happened in Cambridgeshire rather than the neighbouring county of Suffolk.
Addressing Insp Andy Hebb, the coroner, Mr David Morris, asked: "The question of location and timing of the deaths and removal of the bodies to their final destination is still a matter of your investigation?" Mr Hebb replied: "That's correct."
Mr Morris also criticised the offering of rewards for information made by newspapers during the search for the girls.
"Personally I have to question the value of offering enormous financial rewards for information, however well-intentioned."
He added that police investigations into the murders were continuing and that further charges against Ms Maxine Carr - the former assistant teacher who has appeared in court accused of perverting the course of justice in connection with the case - could not be ruled out.
The inquest was told that Jessica's parents wanted their daughter to be cremated and it was Holly's parents' wish for their daughter to be buried. Both bodies were identified by DNA testing.
Mr Morris said: "That these horrific deaths should have attracted widespread, international interest and grief is understandable. Nevertheless I am very concerned personally that the virtual invasion of Soham by the media, and their continuing speculation and criticism of the conduct of the investigation and the personalities involved, was disingenuous and uninformed."
The British embassy yesterday expressed thanks to everyone who sent "hundreds of cards and bouquets of flowers" to its offices on Merrion Road in Dublin.
"A tragedy of this kind knows no borders and we have been hugely touched by the response of Irish people. We shall ensure that all the messages received are passed to the families and community in Soham," a statement from the chargé d'affaires, Mr John Rankin, said.