Mum of Australian nanny hears how daughter died from neck wounds in London Bridge attack
THE mother of an Australian nanny killed during the London Bridge terror attack has heard how her daughter died after she was stabbed in the neck.
Julie and Mark Wallace, mother and stepfather of Sara Zelenak
An inquest into the deaths of five of the victims opened the afternoon where Sara Zelenak's mother Julie Wallace sat in front of the hearing as details of her daughter's death were read out.
Eight people were murdered by three attackers who ploughed into pedestrians on the bridge before going on a stabbing spree in Borough Market.
Coroner Andrew Harris opened and adjourned inquests at Southwark Coroner's Court today for five victims of the attack.
An inquest into the deaths of five of the London Bridge terror attack victims has been opened
Kirsty Boden, 28, Sara Zelenak, 21, Sebastien Belanger, 36, James McMullan, 32, and Ignacio Echeverria, 39, all died in the area on June 3.
Representatives from the Spanish consulate also attended on behalf of Sr Echeverria's family.
Mrs Wallace was accompanied by Sara's stepfather Mark Wallace.
One of the most horrible things is for parents to be in court hearing the details of a death
Mr Harris told the families: "All of our thoughts and condolences are with you at this terrible time, one of the most horrible things is for parents to be in court hearing the details of a death, particularly a violent one, of their children."
Three terrorists stabbed people in the neck, back and chest during the rampage, the court was told.
Mr McMullan, from Brent, north-west London, was killed by a haemorrhage after being stabbed in the chest in Borough Market.
Eight people were murdered during the atrocity on June 3
He was found lying outside the post office on Borough High Street and was later identified by his father.
Chef Mr Belanger, originally from Angers, western France, was drinking at the nearby Boro Bistro when he was stabbed repeatedly in the chest, the inquest heard.
His body was located in Borough Market and he was identified by dental records and fingerprints while his loved ones spent several days unaware of his fate.
Nurse Ms Boden, from Loxton, Australia, ran towards the danger in a selfless bid to save people.
Floral tributes to victims of London Bridge terror attack
She was found in the shadow of Southwark Cathedral, on Montague Close, with a stab wound to her chest, and was later identified by DNA and dental records.
Au pair Ms Zelenak, from Brisbane, Australia, was found in Borough High Street, stabbed in the neck, and was subsequently identified by dental records and DNA.
HSBC analyst Mr Echeverria, from As Pontes, north-west Spain, was knifed in the back on London Bridge, having tried to defend a woman with his skateboard.
His body was identified by his brother several days later, the hearing was told.
Julie and Mark Wallace, the mother and stepfather of Sara Zelenak, outside Southwark Coroner's Court
Armed police shot dead ringleader Khuram Butt, 27, and his two accomplices Rachid Redouane, 30, and Youssef Zaghba, 22, just eight minutes after the first emergency call was made.
Mr Harris suspended the proceedings.
There is an ongoing police investigation.
A hearing into the deaths of Canadian Christine Archibald, 30, and Frenchmen Xavier Thomas, 45, and Alexandre, 26, will take place on Wednesday.