The inquest into the death of Drummer Lee Rigby, who was killed in Woolwich on 22 May, has opened in London.
During the short hearing Deputy Coroner Lorna Tagliavini heard that Mr Rigby had been returning from a job at the Tower of London when he was attacked near the barracks in Woolwich.
Detective Chief Inspector Grant Mallon, from Scotland Yard's Counter-Terrorism Command, said the Manchester-born soldier was hit by a car in Artillery Place before being attacked by two men armed with a cleaver and a knife.
They then dragged his body into the middle of the road, and encouraged passers-by to look at what they had done, he said.
A post-mortem examination has revealed that, although he had been hit by a car, Mr Rigby had died from multiple stab wounds.
The court heard that the 25-year-old soldier was identified by a dental expert.
Detective Mallon told the court that Drummer Rigby suffered "extensive and serious injuries", and investigations into his murder are continuing.
The inquest was adjourned to a date to be confirmed.
One of two men suspected of attacking Mr Rigby appeared in court on Thursday.
Michael Adebowale, 22, is scheduled to be back in court on Monday for another hearing and remains in custody.
The second man has been discharged from hospital where he had been recovering after he was shot by police.
The 28-year-old had already been arrested on suspicion of Drummer Rigby's murder, and was further arrested this afternoon on suspicion of the attempted murder of a police officer.
Scotland Yard detectives have also arrested a 42-year-old man on suspicion of being involved in supplying illegal firearms in connection with the case.
Meanwhile, the family of Lee Rigby has thanked the public for the "overwhelming support" they have received.
They appealed for calm, saying in a statement: "We would like to emphasise that Lee would not want people to use his name as an excuse to carry out attacks against others."
