Woman accused of policeman murder

David Smith was based at RAF Menwith Hill in North Yorkshire

A woman has been charged with the murder of an off-duty Ministry of Defence police constable in Lancashire.

David Smith, 35, who was based at RAF Menwith Hill in North Yorkshire, was stabbed at a property on Skipton Road, Barnoldswick, on Friday evening.

He died later in hospital and a post-mortem examination gave the cause of death as a stab wound to the heart.

Suzanne Phillipson, 41, from Burnley, is to appear at Burnley Magistrates' Court on Monday charged with murder.

Police were called to reports of a violent incident at a property on Skipton Road at about 1845 BST on Friday.

Mr Smith, who was off duty at the time, was taken to Burnley General Hospital where he later died.

Ass Ch Con John Bligh, of the MOD Police, said: "David Smith was a well-regarded and conscientious officer who will be missed by his colleagues and the force."

An 18-year-old woman arrested in connection with Pc Smith's death has been released on bail until November pending further inquiries.