An inquest has opened into the death of an 82-year-old grandmother who was fatally stabbed in her own home.

Police were called after neighbours reported sounds of a disturbance at Bright Ridge in Southborough, near Tunbridge Wells at around 11pm on August 31.

They found Sandra Squires in the garden of her home, bleeding from a wound in her neck.

Inside, officers discovered her grandson, John Squires, 24, who lived with her at the address, who was also seriously injured. He was arrested on suspicion of murder.

He subsequently died in hospital from his injuries on September 3.

Paramedics attended and treated Mrs Squires, a retired catering assistant, at the scene, but were unable to save her.

She was officially pronounced dead at 12.27am on September 1.

Mrs Squires was a widow. Her late husband had been William Squires, a retired postman, who died in 2013.

After opening the inquest, coroner Alan Blunsdon adjourned the hearing until February 26, at 10am, at Oakwood House in Maidstone.

At the time of death, tributes were paid to Mrs Squires, who was said to have been a popular member of the Grove Bowling Club since 2006, where she was described as “an enthusiastic bowler” who also helped out at the club’s social functions.

Neighbours spoke of their shock that such a tragic incident could occur in their usually quiet street.

Kimberley Godsall, 41, of Bright Ridge Southborough, said: “It’s very sad for the family involved, you don’t want something like that to happen to anyone.

“It’s a very small community and it is not something you would expect to happen around here.”

The police are not currently investigating anyone else in connection with the deaths.