AN inquest has opened into the death of a Southampton youth who was stabbed to death.

James Laurie, 17, of Montagu Avenue, Sholing, was wounded on Lindsay Road, Thornhill, at about 6.15am on Sunday January 19.

An inquest in Winchester heard that he died later at Southampton General Hospital. His body was identified by his grandmother Tracey Crates.

A post mortem was carried out by Dr Debbie Cook, consultant pathologist, who reported that the cause of death was a stab wound to the chest.

A 15-year-old boy, from Andover, who cannot be named because of his age, has been charged with murder. He has appeared at Winchester Crown Court and been remanded into custody until the next hearing on March 25.

In a statement, James' parents said: "We will miss you and your cheeky smile forever. You were full of life. We will always think of you. Sleep tight now."

They said it had been "an incredibly difficult time" and asked for privacy.

At the inquest the acting area coroner Samantha Marsh adjourned the hearing until July 10.

As previously reported friends of James also paid tribute to him, describing him as an “outgoing and funny” friend, who loved music.

“He loved his rapping, we were only about 12-years-old when he got me into rapping and I’ve never stopped since then. We had a lot of memories when we were younger he was a proper good spirit to be around."