AN inquest into the death of Newport father-of-three who died after an incident at a city pub was opened yesterday.

The hearing was told Lemy Bullock, 36, died from stomach wounds following an incident at Harvey's pub in Pill, on March 15.

Gwent coroner David Bowen adjourned the inquest for crown court proceedings and released Mr Bullock's body to his family for burial.

Hundreds are expected to line the streets of Newport next week for the funeral of the well-known local character.

His death sent shock waves through the close-knit community of Pill.

More than 100 floral tributes were laid outside the pub where Mr Bullock was found fatally injured, just yards from his home in Dolphin Court.

Many of the bouquets of flowers contained moving eulogies to Mr Bullock who has two sons, aged 14 and five, and a ten-year-old daughter.

Among the flowers was a Newport County football shirt laid in memory of the Newport County and Liverpool supporter.

A message on the jersey read: "RIP Lemster. You will be sadly missed. True Pill boy forever."

Last week a minute's silence was held at the Newport County football ground in honour of Mr Bullock.

Following Mr Bullock's death locals took to the streets demanding police clamp down on the incidents that have been going on in the area in recent times.

One resident commented: "It's getting like Harlem."

* Mr Bullock's funeral will be held on Monday with a cortege leaving The Picton Arms, Commercial Road, at 1.40pm, for the funeral service at St Michael's RC Church, at 2pm.

* Three men were due to appear before Newport crown court today charged with Mr Bullock's murder.