POPULAR 16-year-old Linda Lietaviete died of stab wounds to the chest, an inquest today has heard.

The Bournemouth and Poole College student found dead at Horseshoe Common in the early hours of Friday December 13 was an enthusiastic member of the Army Cadet Force.

She was originally from Latvia but moved to Bournemouth around five years ago with her family.

Her friend Diana Plume formally identified the body on Saturday December 14.

You can pay tribute to Linda in our book of condolence here

Home Office pathologist Amanda Jeffery carried out a post-mortem examination and confirmed the cause of death was stab wounds to the chest.

25-year-old Alvin Jay Santos has appeared in court charged with the murder of Linda Lietaviete.

He was remanded in custody and will appear before a judge at Winchester Crown Court on Wednesday December 18.

A statement from Coroner's officer Andrew Lord said: “A young female was located by ambulance staff on Friday December 13 and pronounced deceased on Horseshoe Common.

“A 25-year-old has been charged with the murder.” 

The inquest opened today and has been adjourned until April 4.