An inquest into the death of a six-year-old boy who plunged from a hotel balcony with his father and younger sister was opened and adjourned yesterday.

Businessman John Hogan, aged 32, is facing a possible murder charge after his son, Liam, died and his daughter, Mia, aged two, was injured during the fall from the fourth floor of a hotel in Crete.

Hogan and his wife, Natasha, from Bradley Stoke, Bristol, had been on a two-week holiday in the popular resort of Lerapetra last Tuesday.

Yesterday, an inquest into Liam's death was opened at a packed Flax Bourton Coroner's Court near Bristol.

In a brief statement, coroner's officer David Griffiths confirmed the basic details of the death.

"His death was confirmed at 00.30 on August 16 2006 by Professor Michalodimitrkis at Heraklion Hospital in Crete and he was later identified to police officers by his mother, Natasha Hogan, at the hotel Petra Mare. He fell from the balcony of a hotel to the ground. He sustained a head injury from which he died."

He also confirmed Liam Stephen Hogan had been born on May 30, 2000 in Bristol and had been living in Dewfalls Drive, Bradley Stoke, with his parents.

Avon Assistant Deputy Coroner Terence Moore concluded the two-minute hearing by stating the inquest would be adjourned "pending further inquiries by Greek authorities".

Mrs Hogan, aged 34, and Mia returned to the UK on Friday after the child was discharged from hospital after a broken arm. They are being comforted by friends and family in Clevedon, Somerset.

No family members were present at yesterday's hearing.

Mrs Hogan defended her husband claiming his actions were "completely out of character" and insisted he was a caring father.

"On the day in question, John was sober," she said in a family statement.

"His action is felt to have been completely out of character for the caring father that he was to both Liam and Mia."

She said she had been unable to speak to him about the events leading up to the fall but said her thoughts were with him as he recovered in hospital.

Liam's funeral will be held at the Holy Trinity Church in Bradley Stoke on Tuesday next week.

But it is unlikely that John Hogan will be back in the UK for the service, the family said.

Hogan is due to be interviewed about the incident once he has recovered from his injuries and the trauma of his son's death.