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A woman has been charged with the murder of a police constable.

David Smith, 35, died in hospital on Friday night after being stabbed in the heart at his home.

Mr Smith, who served as a police constable for the Ministry of Defence at its base in North Yorkshire, was off-duty at the time of his death.

Susan Phillipson, 41, was arrested at the scene and will appear before Burnley Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

An 18-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed pending further enquiries.

Officers were called to a violent incident at Mr Smith's Skipton Road home in Barnoldswick at about 6.45 pm on Friday.

They found him suffering from serious stab wounds. Mr Smith was taken to Burnley General Hospital, where he later died.

Graham Smith, Lancashire Police force incident manager, said: "A home office post mortem examination was carried out this morning and the cause of death was found to be a stab wound to the heart.

"Anyone who has not already spoken to police and has information about the incident should do so as soon as possible, on 01282 452001, or through Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111."

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