Young mother stabbed at her home died from a 'brain injury'

Police have charged the ex-partner of 26-year-old Leanne Meecham with her murder

Leanne Meecham died in hospital after being attacked at her home (PA)

A young mother who was stabbed at her home died from a brain injury, police have said.

Leanne Meecham was attacked at her home in Park Street, Westcliff, Essex, at about 9.30am on 13 February.

The 26-year-old, who is believed to be a mother-of-one, was treated at the Royal London Hospital in London but died of her injuries on 20 February.

Her ex-partner, 42-year-old Simon Meecham, appeared at Chelmsford Magistrates Court yesterday charged with her murder.

Meecham, of Southend, Essex, confirmed his name and date of birth but did not give his address during the brief hearing.

He was remanded in custody and will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday.

A plea and case management hearing is set to take place on 28 April at the same court.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "It has been determined that 26-year-old Leanne died of a brain injury, which was the result of a cardiac arrest due to a stab wound to her throat."

An inquest into her death is due to be opened on Tuesday.

The family of Leanne described her as a "much-loved daughter, sister and mother”.

In a statement they said: "Leanne was a beautiful woman and a much-loved daughter, sister and mother who always put the happiness of others before her own.

"She was a devoted mother and a best friend to her siblings, and was always there for anyone who ever needed her help.

"Leanne would not let people worry about her and even when times were tough for her she showed that she was one of life's angels.

"Leanne's tragic and untimely death has left a massive hole in all of our lives that none of us will ever be able to fill and she will never be forgotten by those who love her.

"We hope that Leanne is now in peace and that justice be allowed to take its course.

"We ask that we be left to grieve in private at this difficult time."

Additional reporting by Press Association