THE inquest into the death of Lower Gornal stab victim Yasir Hussain has been formally suspended to allow the criminal investigation to take place.

A pre-inquest hearing took place at Black Country Coroner's Court on January 8, where coroner Zafar Siddique heard an update on the investigation from police.

Mr Hussain, a father-of-four from Lancashire, was found critically injured on Central Drive, Lower Gornal, at around 9.40pm on Tuesday December 4 and was pronounced dead at the scene.

Five men and one woman who were previously arrested in connection with the murder in December were released under investigation.

A man was charged with murder last month and was remanded in custody awaiting trial, with a pre-trial hearing scheduled for February at Wolverhampton Crown Court.

Detective Inspector Jim Colclough, from the force’s homicide unit provided an update on the investigation since the last hearing on December 11, telling the court that a seventh man was arrested in connection to Mr Hussain's death on January 7.

Mr Siddique told the court: "I am going to suspend my inquest to the outcome of the criminal trial to see what happens there.

He added: "I would like to pass on my condolences to the family for the loss of Mr Hussain in these tragic circumstances."