AN INQUEST into the murders of two children has found they both died from an “incised neck wound”.

Ethan John, 11, and seven-year-old Elizabeth John were found dead at their home in Flax Street, Stoke-on-Trent on June 11.

Police rushed to the scene but the schoolchildren were found to have “significant injuries” and were pronounced dead at the scene. Both children were identified by their mother.

Speaking at an earlier hearing, North Staffordshire assistant coroner Emma Serrano said: “Ethan John was born on March 31, 2012 making him 11 years old at the time of his death. His home address was 33 Flax Street and he died on June 11, 2023 at his home address. Identification was confirmed by his mother. 

“A post-mortem has been carried out which has given a medical cause of death as an incised neck wound. I hereby formally open and adjourn this inquest.”

Ms Serrano said that the second child sustained a “traumatic head injury”.

“Elizabeth Yvette John was born on April 29, 2016. She was seven years old at the time of her death. Her home address was 33 Flax Street. She was found dead on June 11, 2023 at her home address. Identification was confirmed by her mother,” she said.

“A post-mortem was carried out and a medical cause of death was confirmed as an incised neck wound to the left side of her neck and a traumatic head injury. This is not a natural cause of death so therefore a full inquest is to be held.”

She added: “My view is that once further reports have been gathered the inquest can be held within the next six months. Until then, I hereby adjourn this inquest.”

Veronique John, 49, from Stoke-on-Trent, has been charged with the murders of Ethan and Elizabeth John. 

She is also charged with the attempted murder of Nathan John. She is next due in court on August 25.