A university student killed in a shopping centre car park died from multiple stab wounds to her chest and neck, an inquest heard today.

Molly McLaren, from Cobham, was found on Thursday in the car park of Dockside Shopping Outlet centre in Chatham with slash and stab wounds to her upper body, neck and throat.

The 23-year-old, who studied at the Medway campus of the University of Kent, sadly died from her injuries despite being treated at the scene.

The medical cause of death was given as sharp force wounds to the neck during an inquest opening held at Archbishop's Palace in Maidstone today.

Joshua Stimpson, of High Street, Wouldham, has been charged with Miss McLaren’s murder and will appear before a judge at Maidstone Crown Court on September 18.

The 25-year-old appeared at the same court via video link yesterday and spoke only to be identified.

A trial date has been set for January 22 next year. Stimpson was remanded in custody.

Meanwhile, the case has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission, which will look into Miss McLaren’s contact with officers before her death.

A police spokesman said: "The victim and the suspect were known to each other and enquiries into the incident remain ongoing.

"As part of ongoing enquiries, any previous reports made by the victim to Kent Police regarding the suspect will form part of the murder investigation.

“Kent Police has referred the matter to the Independent Police Complaints Commission and they will determine whether there is a requirement for them to investigate.”

Friends and family of Miss McLaren have set up a Justgiving page to raise £23,000 to be distributed among charities who support people with eating disorders.

More than £6,000 has been raised less than one week after her death.

The inquest was adjourned until after the trial.