A father died after suffering a “perforated wound” to his chest during an attack in a pub, an inquest has heard.

Dave Peck, 51, died in the incident at the Lamb and Lion Pub in Westcliff on December 23. The inquest into his death was opened this morning at Essex Coroners Court in Chelmsford.

It comes after a man appeared in court charged with the death of Dave Peck.

Coroners officer Helen Bending said: “David Peck died in December 23 at Southend Hospital. On December 23 he was injured in a pub, paramedics arrived and he was taken to Southend Hospital.

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“A post mortem was carried out and a provisional cause of death was given as a perforated wound to the chest.”

Coroner Michelle Brown said: “I am opening the inquest into the death of David Peck who died on December 23. I’ve been asked by Essex Police to suspend the inquest while they continue their investigation.

“I will therefore suspend the inquest.”

Last month, Alfred Turner, 44, of Station Road, Westcliff, appeared in court charged with murder, possession of an offensive weapon in a public place, and two counts of possession of a bladed article in a public place, appeared in Chelmsford Crown Court.