A MAN whose death last month is at the centre of a murder investigation - a in which a Widnes man was arrested - died after suffering a stab wound, an inquest opening heard.

David Wilcox, of Colwyn Bay, north Wales, died aged 65 on November 20.

The inquest into Mr Wilcox's death opened at County Hall, Ruthin on Monday.

During the opening, it was heard that Mr Wilcox, born in Ebbw Vale and unemployed at the time of his death, was pronounced deceased at 5.17am on November 20 at Ysbyty Glan Clwyd, Bodelwyddan.

At about 2.15am that morning, North Wales Police reported a single-vehicle crash on an A55 slip road in Colwyn Bay.

Mr Wilcox was the registered keeper of the car involved in the crash.

Police later found him unconscious in the living room of his home.

Home Office forensic pathologist Dr Brian Rodgers, in undertaking Mr Wilcox's post-mortem examination, found that he had suffered a stab wound to the chest.

A blunt force head injury which Mr Wilcox had sustained was also considered contributory to his death.

John Gittins, senior coroner for North Wales East and Central, adjourned the inquest into Mr Wilcox's death, pending the outcome of criminal inquiries.

Lauren Harris, aged 29 and of no fixed abode, but of Colwyn Bay, was charged with murder on November 24 in connection with Mr Wilcox's death.

Her plea and trial preparation hearing is due to be held on March 1, 2024, with a provisional trial start date set for May 20 should she plead not guilty.

She has been remanded in custody until the time being.

A 33-year-old man from Colwyn Bay and a 42-year-old man from Widnes were also arrested in relation to the incident.

They were given conditional police bail pending further investigation.