Dad-of-four fatally stabbed in caravan - inquest

A father-of-four died after being stabbed in a caravan, an inquest opening has been told.

Lee Jackson, 40, was found dead at the Valley Farm Holiday Park, Clacton-on-Sea, Essex, on 14 October.

Moments before the discovery, a man had been seen leaving the caravan "with blood on his hands", Essex Coroner's Court heard.

Daniel Fox, 39, of Hampden Crescent, Warley, has been charged with murdering Jackson and is due before Chelmsford Crown Court on 16 December.

Fox has also been charged with burglary, two offences of making threats to kill and three counts of assaulting an emergency worker.

Court co-ordinator Matthew Austin said police were initially called to a fight at the caravan park, but downgraded the call as the men involved were separated.

"A short while later, police were called and informed one of the males had a knife and [was] making threats," he told the inquest opening in Chelmsford.

"Later, a male was seen leaving a caravan with blood on his hands."

Police and paramedics then attended the scene and found Jackson, from Brentwood, unresponsive in a caravan, Austin added.

Jackson's death was confirmed at 23:13 BST, the inquest heard.

A post-mortem examination found Jackson's provisional cause of death was a stab wound to the aorta.

Lincoln Brookes, the senior coroner for Essex, suspended inquest proceedings so detectives could continue their investigation.

"I offer my deepest condolences to the family, friends and loved ones of Mr Jackson," he said at the hearing's conclusion.

When speaking after his death, Jackson's parents said he brought "laughter, joy and happiness" to those who knew him.

Fox is yet to enter a plea to the murder charge and has been remanded in custody.

Do you have a story suggestion for Essex? Contact us below.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.