A man who died after a double stabbing at a rural pub was stabbed in the abdomen, an inquest has heard.

Craig Allen, 35, from Marden, died following an incident at The Cricketers Inn in Wrotham Road, Meopham, on November 5.

A second man, aged 50, from Meopham, was taken to a London hospital after being seriously injured. He has since been discharged.

He was later arrested on suspicion of murder and taken into custody but has since been released pending the outcome of further investigation.

Police were called to the pub just before 9.15pm following reports a man had been assaulted.

An inquest opening at County Hall in Maidstone earlier this week heard Mr Allen's cause of death was given as stab wound to the abdomen.

Mr Allen, a support worker who was born in Basingstoke, was identified by police using a finger print ID.

The inquest was adjourned to be heard on Thursday, April 27.

Several hours after the incident officers arrested a second man, Miguel Batista, 29, of no fixed address, who is alleged to have attacked the 50-year-old.

He has since been charged with attempted murder and appeared at Maidstone Magistrates' Court. No plea was entered and Batista was remanded in custody, with the case adjourned to Woolwich Crown Court on December 7.

The pub was closed for closed for nearly a week following the incident.

When it reopened, pub owner Brian Keeley-Whiting said: "We have all been shocked by the unfortunate events last weekend and our team fully support the police investigation.

"You will appreciate that we are unable to talk about any aspects of the incident as this is all now subject to a police investigation.

"We have worked hard over the week to support our staff and get ready for business again.

"We are a family owned pub and we are proud of our reputation we have gained over the last 15 years.

"I would like to thank all who have sent their best wishes to us, and we hope to see you here soon."

Since the incident, villagers spoke of their shock as they come to terms with what happened.

One commented: “I heard the helicopter and came to the front and saw all the blue flashing lights everywhere.

"It is a one off. You do not expect a murder 100 yards from where you live."

Anyone who witnessed what happened or has any information is urged to call Kent Police on 101, quoting reference 05-1226.

You can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111 or by using the online form on its website.