An inquest has opened into the death of a pensioner who died days after suffering a stab wound to his neck at his home in a Norfolk village.

Mervyn Moulton, from Hockwold, died in the West Suffolk Hospital in Bury St Edmunds on March 7 this year. He was 81 years old.

His death came after emergency services were called to the village on February 29 to reports that a man had been stabbed.

Ashley Francis, his 26-year-old grandson, was arrested and has since appeared at court charged with Mr Moulton's murder.

Senior coroner Jacqueline Lake opened an inquest into Mr Moulton's death, during which it was confirmed he was born in Islington and lived in Main Street in Hockwold - which is between Thetford and Downham Market. 

She also confirmed he was a retired construction worker.

Immediately after opening the inquest, Mrs Lake suspended the hearing until after criminal proceedings have concluded.

She said: "I am suspending this inquest pending the outcome of criminal proceedings."

Francis, of Whittington Hill, King’s Lynn, was initially charged with the attempted murder of his grandfather. However, the charge was altered following Mr Moulton's death.