A CORONER has said Kyle Byfield died in hospital after he was stabbed in the chest.

Oxfordshire coroner Darren Salter yesterday opened an inquest into the 23-year-old’s death.

He said Mr Byfield, of Longleat Close, Banbury, had been taken to the Horton General Hospital after suffering a cardiac arrest following an “altercation at an address in Banbury”.

Mr Salter gave details from a post mortem examination report by Dr Alexander Kolar in which the pathologist said the factory production worker died after “stab wounds to the chest”.

He was discovered by police in Jubilee Court on Thursday, April 16.

Natasha Capell, of Jubilee Court, has been charged with his murder and the 26-year-old appeared in Oxford Crown Court on Tuesday morning.

It came after Mr Byfield’s parents Roni and Alan and his girlfriend Laurie Peach released a statement that thanked the community for its support.

In the statement Mrs Byfield said: “Alan, Laurie and I and both families would like to say how much we appreciate all the love and support from the local community that has been shown.

“We are all overwhelmed by the generosity people have shown towards Kyle.

She added: “He had a fantastic character and was a happy-go-lucky young man. He was the joker and life and soul of the party.

“Family and friends will always remember him for his cheeky smile and charm. Kyle loved to ‘dress to impress’ and was always fashion conscious.

“Kyle loved music and singing and dancing and was always showing ‘his moves’.

“We are all totally devastated and shocked by this tragic loss of our beloved Kyle. He will be greatly missed by all and forever in our hearts.”

Capell is expected to give a plea on July 17 and has been remanded in custody.