The police officer killed in the Westminster terror attack died after being stabbed in the chest, despite wearing body armour.

PC Keith Palmer, 48, was stabbed by Dartford-born Khalid Masood, 52, in the grounds of the Palace of Westminster last Wednesday.

The father-of-two and former Bromley officer was wearing a stab vest, issued as routine to Metropolitan Police officers, but it was not enough to save him and he died at the scene.

The inquest into the victims of Masood's attack, including PC Palmer, was held today at Westminster’s Coroner Court.

The other victims were Clapham pensioner Leslie Rhodes, 75, American tourist Kurt Cochran, 54, and Aysha Frade, 44.

More than 35 people were injured in the attack. Twelve are still being treated in hospital, one of whom is in a coma.

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The Met Police presented the evidence to the coroner, Dr Fiona Wolcox, and told the inquest that a "wide-ranging inquiry" into the incident was being led by the counter-terrorism command.

Officers are examining a "large amount" of CCTV and footage taken by bystanders, which gives a "clear visual chronology" of how the 82-second incident unfolded.

Detective Superintendent John Crossley, speaking at the inquest, said: "Currently there are in excess of 1,500 potential witnesses, with accounts being taken from those who are deemed significant. This is currently in excess of 140."

Mr Cochran, whose wife Melissa was taken to hospital after suffering a broken leg, rib and cut head, died at the scene on Westminster Bridge from multiple injuries after being hit by the car, while Mrs Frade suffered head and chest injuries, also dying on the bridge.

Mr Rhodes, from Clapham, was pronounced dead at London's King's College Hospital the following day from a head injury, while Pc Palmer died at the scene.

Adjourning the inquest for police to carry out their investigations, Dr Wilcox told the family members in the court: "I wish you all well. This is very much a first step in this inquiry, in what will be a long, difficult and complex process.

"But I would like to assure you all that everything that can be done by this court will be done."

A pre-inquest review has been provisionally scheduled for May 19 at London's Royal Courts of Justice.

The inquest into the death of Masood will open and adjourn at the same Coroner's Court on Thursday, March 30, at 1pm.