A MAN found dead in a house in Blackwood died as a result of blunt head and neck injuries and stab wounds to the chest, an inquest heard.

The inquest into the death of John Stokes, 33, was opened in Newport yesterday.

Gwent coroner's officer Howard Salmon said following a post mortem examination carried out by a pathologist, the preliminary cause of death was given as "blunt head and neck injuries and stab wounds to the chest."

Mr Stokes, originally from Hengoed, was found at a house in Bedwelty Road, Cefn Fforest on February 3.

John Williams, 45, of the same address, was arrested and charged with the murder of Mr Stokes and will appear before Cardiff crown court on April 25.

The inquest was adjourned indefinitely and Mr Stokes' body is to be released to his family to make funeral arrangements.