Luke Bellfield Inquest - Leigh-on-Sea

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Luke Bellfield Inquest – AN eighteen-year-old died after starting a knife fight while carrying a machete in Old Leigh, an inquest has ruled.

Luke Bellfield Inquest - AN eighteen-year-old died after starting a knife fight while carrying a machete in Old Leigh, an inquest has ruled.

AN eighteen-year-old died after starting a knife fight while carrying a machete in Old Leigh, an inquest has ruled.

Luke Bellfield, from Eastwood, died as a result of a single stab after the incident, which occurred on February 26, 2021.

An inquest into the teenager’s death in March this year heard how Bellfield was carrying a machete and initiated a knife fight with another person, which resulted in him receiving a fatal stab wound near to the Peterboat Pub in Old Leigh High Street.

In his conclusion, coroner Lincoln Brookes reportedly stated: “On February 26 2021, in Old Leigh, Mr Bellfield, whilst wielding a machete, initiated a knife fight with another male and received a fatal stab wound to the heart.

“Despite attempts at emergency surgery he was confirmed deceased at Southend Hospital later that same day.”

The inquest, concluded that Mr Bellfield died as a result of a fatal stab wound to the heart.

Following Mr Bellfield’s death, a fundraiser was set up to help the family cover the costs of his funeral, raising a total of £7,728.

Alfie Pollard, 19, of Woodside, Leigh who was involved in the incident, previously admitted possessing a bladed article in a public place.

He was sentenced at Basildon Crown Court on January 30 to five years and six months in a young offender institution, in relation to the knife offence and various drugs offences.

During a court hearing in August, Southend Magistrates Court heard that there would be no manslaughter charges for Pollard as the incident was “self-defence”.

The court heard how Mr Bellfield had chased Pollard who “retaliated” and stabbed him.

Pollard said he had armed himself with the knife after experiencing issues with a rival gang.

Following Mr Bellfield’s death, additional CCTV and a safety team were placed in Old Leigh, with increased police visibility and patrols.

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