Michael Simpson 'killed by estranged wife' in China flat

Michael Simpson's family is fighting to win custody of his children Jack and Alice

A British executive living in China was stabbed to death by his estranged wife during a "heated argument", an inquest has heard.

Michael Simpson, 34, from Wimborne, Dorset, died at his flat in Shanghai while his new girlfriend was seriously injured in the attack in March.

Mr Simpson, who moved to China while working for the retail chain Next, was stabbed at least twice, it was heard.

The coroner in Bournemouth recorded a conclusion of unlawful killing.

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Speaking after the hearing, Mr Simpson's brother Andrew said the family was still fighting over the custody of the couple's two children, Jack, aged seven, and five-year-old Alice, who had been taken to an unknown location by the family of his estranged wife, WeiWei.

Died 'fairly instantly'

Mrs Simpson is understood to be in custody in China awaiting legal proceedings, Mr Simpson added.

At the time of his death, Michael was going through a "fairly acrimonious" divorce from his wife, a former Next shop assistant.

Andrew Simpson told the hearing Mrs Simpson launched the knife attack within a minute of arriving at the flat with two friends. They intervened to stop her and called the police.

Pathologist Dr Amanda Jeffery said the fatal wound was a downward blow to the right side of the neck.

She said there was also a stab wound through the back of the left shoulder blade which would have required "severe force".

Andrew Simpson said his brother died "fairly instantly".

He said Michael's new partner, who was initially critically injured, had been left unable to use her right arm.

The Simpson family has launched an online appeal to raise funds for the custody case.