An inquest has opened into the death of a delivery driver who was stabbed in the heart.
Police were called at 10.21pm last Tuesday (August 12) to a disturbance involving a group of people outside a home in Augustine Road, Gravesend.
Detectives launched a murder investigation and two people were later charged in connection with the incident.
Today, at Oakwood House in Maidstone, assistant coroner Alan Blunsdon launched an inquest into the death of Vladimir Perminovs.
In his opening statement, he explained how there was reasonable cause to suspect that he died in circumstances where an investigation is necessary.
Mr Blunsdon added: “There was a struggle between several men in the street. Injuries were sustained, and he appeared to be stabbed.”
The 33-year-old died the next day (August 13) at Darent Valley Hospital in Dartford.
Mr Perminovs was a delivery driver who was originally born in Latvia and lived in Hazel Grove, Goole in East Yorkshire.
His cause of death was given as a stab wound to the heart. The inquest was adjourned until Wednesday, December 10.
Following his death, Erika Korska, 31, and Shahim Bulica, 25, both of Augustine Road, Gravesend, have been charged with murder.
The pair had previously appeared at Sevenoaks Magistrates’ Court on Monday morning, but no plea was entered.
Today, they appeared at Maidstone Crown Court for a preliminary. A plea and trial preparation hearing was set for Monday, September 29.
Residents with private CCTV and motorists with dashcams are still being asked to check for relevant footage.
Anyone with information should call 01622 652 006, quoting reference 46/140299/25.
You can also report anonymously, via Crimestoppers. Call 0800 555111 or complete the online form.
