Inquest opens into death of Chatham teenager who was fatally stabbed and whose death is subject of murder investigation

An inquest has opened into the death of a suspected murder victim.

Harley Purdue, 19, has been named for the first time after a fatal stabbing at a property in Chatham on December 2.

Senior coroner Patricia Harding told today’s (December 10) hearing how the teenager, of Thorold Road, was attacked after an argument broke out with another man and turned violent.

Speaking at Oakwood House in Maidstone, she said: “The suspect pulled out a knife and he was stabbed seven times.

“Mr Purdue’s girlfriend intervened and she was also assaulted.”

Ms Harding said the pair then made their way upstairs and locked themselves in a room before calling the emergency services.

Paramedics rushed to Thorold Road but Mr Purdue died from his injuries. He was pronounced dead just before 4am on December 2.