A FATAL stab wound to the neck killed Cradley Heath murder victim Martin Briggs, an inquest has been told.

The 47-year-old father-of-three was found with dead at his Corngreaves Walk home shortly before midday on November 13 – although detectives believe he had been killed some time the previous evening.

Black Country Coroners Court heard paramedics had confirmed the divorcee, who was born in Birmingham, dead at the scene from a stab wound to his neck.

Police had been called to Martin’s home on the morning of November 13 by his uncle, who could not get inside the flat due to front door being locked. However he returned with his partner and police officers who found the rear door to the property was unlocked.

However, before Martin’s body was finally discovered at about 11.45am, a 43-year-old had been arrested from a vehicle in an Oldbury car park at 6.20am on that morning on suspicion of three separate assaults.

The assaults, involving weapons including a knife and metal bar, happened from around 4pm on November 12 in Dingle Avenue, West Avenue and Poplar Close.

Detective constable Mark Brown, of West Midlands Police’s homicide unit, told the court: “There were numerous incidents which happened the day before.

“From the investigation into those, Karl Glancey was subsequently arrested and was in police custody when the body of Mr Briggs was found.

“Glancey was then further arrested on suspicion of Mr Briggs’ murder.”

DC Brown confirmed officers have not yet had the opportunity to interview the suspect – who has not been charged – due to him being sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

The court was told an incident had taken place in Corngreaves Walk at about 6pm on November 12 involving Martin and the suspected offender – who is said to be known to the victim.

Senior Black Country coroner Zafar Siddique adjourned the inquest, due to the police investigation, until December 18.