Sir David Amess: Coroner opens inquest into MP's death

Sir David Amess was attacked at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on 15 October

An inquest into the death of MP Sir David Amess, who was stabbed to death while meeting constituents, has opened.

The Conservative Southend West MP was attacked at Belfairs Methodist Church in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex, on 15 October.

He was pronounced dead at the scene and a preliminary post-mortem examination report gave the cause of death as multiple stab wounds to the chest.

The inquest in Chelmsford was adjourned pending the outcome of criminal proceedings.

Ali Harbi Ali, 25, from London, has been charged with Sir David's murder and preparing terrorist acts.

He appeared at the Old Bailey on Friday and is due to face trial in March.

• Funeral date for Sir David Amess confirmed

• Priest quits social media over MP last rites abuse

• Sombre mood as town bewildered by MP's killing

The inquest hearing, which lasted less than five minutes, was told the father-of-five died of "multiple stab wounds to the chest", with the number of wounds not stated.

Coroner's officer Paul Donaghy said the 69-year-old was pronounced dead at 13:13 BST.

Lincoln Brookes, the senior coroner for Essex, said the inquest would be reviewed on 27 April.

Sir David was was the MP for Southend West and a father of five

Mr Brooks said Sir David's body had been released into the care of the family's nominated funeral directors.

"I may be speaking on behalf of many in the country when I ask that my deepest condolences are passed on to Sir David's family," he said.

Wednesday's hearing, in the Council Chamber at County Hall, was attended by James Duddridge, MP for Rochford and Southend East.

Sir David's funeral is to be held at Westminster Cathedral on 23 November.