A TEENAGER died after starting a knife fight while carrying a machete in Old Leigh, an inquest has ruled.

Luke Bellfield, from Eastwood, died as a result of a stab wound to the heart after the incident on February 26 2021.

On Thursday, an inquest into his death heard how he was carrying a machete in the attack.

The inquest, concluded that Mr Bellfield died as a result of a fatal stab wound to the heart.

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In his conclusion, coroner Lincoln Brookes said: “On February 26 2021, in Old Leigh, Mr Bellfield, whilst wielding a machete, initiated a knife fight with another male and received a fatal stab wound to the heart.

“Despite attempts at emergency surgery he was confirmed deceased at Southend Hospital later that same day.”

A post mortem examination found Mr Bellfield died as a result of a single stab wound to the heart.

Alfie Pollard, 19, of Woodside, Leigh who was involved in the incident previously admitted possessing a bladed article in a public place.

He was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on January 30 to five years and six months in a young offender institution, in relation to the knife offence and various drugs offences.

During a court hearing in August, Southend Magistrates Court heard there would be no manslaughter charges for Pollard as the incident was “self defence”.

Echo:

The court was told how Mr Bellfield had chased Pollard who “retaliated” and stabbed him.

Pollard said he’d had previous issues with a rival gang and had chosen to arm himself.

Following Mr Bellfield’s death, additional CCTV and a safety team were placed in Old Leigh.

A fundraiser was set up by friends to help his family through this difficult time and to cover the costs of the funeral.

A total of £7,728 was raised