A MAN who died in Keighley earlier this month was stabbed, an inquest hearing was told yesterday.

Assistant Coroner Raja Mahmood opened the inquest into the death of 49-year-old George Charles Thomas Dore at Bradford Coroners’ Court.

Police were called to a property in Fell Lane on Thursday, April 8, where Mr Dore was found with a serious injury.

He was taken to Airedale Hospital, but died a short time later.

The brief hearing, held virtually due to Covid-19 restrictions, heard Mr Dore was at his home address with his girlfriend and lodger.

At around 3.40am, three people turned-up at the address and an altercation took place, resulting in Mr Dore being stabbed.

Coroners’ officer Laura Sinfield said a provisional cause of death had been given as a stab wound to the chest.

The inquest was adjourned with a provisional date for its resumption set for August 26 this year.

Mr Mahmood requested the forensic post-mortem report, a GP report from Mr Dore’s surgery, a toxicology report and an update from police be provided to the coroners’ court in the coming weeks.

Following Mr Dore’s death, his family said in a tribute: “He was a kind, generous, well liked local man who was much loved and will be greatly missed.

“A legend of the town.”

Mr Dore’s death prompted a large-scale police presence in the area, as their investigation got under way.

Three people were arrested on April 8 in connection with Mr Dore’s death, with West Yorkshire Police confirming on Monday, April 12, they had all been charged with murder.

Anthony Atha, 53, of West Bank Close, Keighley, and Leslie Walker, 46, and Angela Thornton, 48, both of Nightingale Street, Keighley, made an initial appearance at Leeds Magistrates’ Court on that day.

They then appeared before Bradford Crown Court the following day and were remanded in custody.

A provisional trial date has been set for September 27.