A TEENAGER who died in the stairwell of his flat suffered a fatal stab wound to the neck, an inquest heard.

Denis Petkov, 19, was pronounced dead at his home on East Hanningfield Road, in Rettendon Common, on Sunday, March 12.

Paramedics were called to the property after reports of a disturbance shortly before midnight. Despite their best efforts, Denis died at the scene.

An inquest was opened into the Bulgarian teen’s death yesterday but was adjourned until Monday.

Senior Coroner for Essex, Caroline Beasley-Murray, noted that a post mortem examination has already been carried out - with the cause of death established as a stab wound. His body cannot be released to his family in case a second post mortem is needed.

Mihal Dobrev, 37, of East Hanningfield Road, has been charged with murder. He will next appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday, May 12.