THREE men who were found dead in Colchester all suffered stab wounds to the neck, an inquest has heard.

Danny Gibson, 35, and his 31-year-old brother Jason Gibson were found unresponsive at their home address in Wellesley Road after police were called at around 10.15pm on Saturday.

Coroner's officer Lynsey Chaffe told the hearing in Chelmsford that both men were pronounced dead at 12.46am on Sunday.

Jason Gibson's provisional medical cause of death was recorded as a stab wound to the neck while Danny Gibson's was recorded as stab wounds to the neck and chest.

Richard Booth, 35, was found unresponsive in a vehicle "situated behind Wellesley House flats", Ms Chaffe said.

She said his death was confirmed by paramedics on Sunday, with his provisional medical cause of death recorded as stab wounds to the neck and head.

Essex's senior coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray said: "I would like to have the court's sympathy expressed to the family of Richard Booth at this really dreadful time for them, and the same condolences and sympathy please to be expressed to the Gibson family at this very distressing time for them."

She opened and adjourned the inquests and did not set a date for a full hearing while criminal proceedings are ongoing.

Tom Saunders, 32, of Bounstead Road, Colchester, has been charged with three counts of murder.

Saunders, who has not been asked for pleas, is also charged with possession of an offensive weapon in a public place.

Essex Police said that Saunders was the uncle of the Gibson brothers and was also known to Mr Booth but was not related to him.

Saunders is due to appear again before Chelmsford Crown Court on November 20.

The family of Mr Booth, known as Rik, described him as a "wonderful son, brother, father and friend".

The family of the Gibson brothers said the men's deaths were "devastating news" for them and they "will never be replaced".