A FORMER heavyweight boxer died after he was stabbed in the heart, an inquest heard yesterday.

Peter Hoe, 43, was attacked in his home and suffered several stab wounds during a violent struggle, Teesside Coroner's Court heard.

The father-of-six was found dead at his home in Jubilee Road, Eston, near Middlesbrough, on October 13, last year.

Those who knew the scaffolder described him as a rough diamond who had helped to keep law and order on the streets where he lived, by driving out drug dealers and troublemakers.

Pathologist Mark Egan said there were traces of drugs in Mr Hoe's blood, including amphetamine and codeine.

He said: "The stab wound to the heart would have brought death relatively quickly. There were seven wounds in total, four deep and the one to the heart."

Detective Inspector Charlie White said two men were awaiting trial at Teesside Crown Court charged with murder.

Teesside Coroner Michael Sheffield adjourned the hearing until after a trial at Teesside Crown Court.

Brothers David James Reed, 28, and Terence George Reed, 25, of Tennyson Avenue, Grangetown, are remanded in custody charged with Mr Hoe's murder.

They deny the charge.