A coroner has opened an inquest into the death of Sir David Amess, but immediately suspended it because a man is facing trial for the MP’s murder.

The Conservative Southend West MP, 69, was stabbed to death during his constituency surgery 12 days ago in Leigh-on-Sea, Essex.

Coroner’s officer Paul Donaghy told the inquest: “On 15 October Sir David Amess held a constituents surgery at the Belfairs Methodist Church Hall and during a meeting with one individual he received multiple stab wounds. At 1.13pm his death was confirmed.”

Mr Donaghy said the next day a Home Office pathologist carried out a post-mortem examination which showed the cause of death was multiple stab wounds to the chest.

He said that a man had been charged with Sir David’s murder, but did not name Ali Harbi Ali, 25, who appeared at the Old Bailey via video link from prison last week and is charged with murder and the preparation of terrorist acts.

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Ali, a British man of Somali background, is expected to stand trial in March next year.

Senior Essex coroner Lincoln Brookes suspended the inquest “pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings” and said he would review the suspension in April.

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