A WOMAN has been charged with the murder of an off-duty police officer who died after being stabbed at his home.

Suzanne Phillipson, 41, of Skipton Road, Barnoldswick, will appear in court today charged with the murder of PC David Smith, 35.

Police were called to Mr Smith's Skipton Road home at 6.45pm on Friday, after reports of a violent incident'.

They found Mr Smith suffering serious injuries, and he died later that night at Burnley General Hospital.

A post mortem examination carried out on Saturday showed he had died from a single stab wound to the heart.

Phillipson was arrested at the scene, along with an 18-year-old woman, who has not been named by police.

The younger woman has been released on police bail until mid-November, pending further inquiries.

Mr Smith worked as an officer with the Ministry of Defence at the RAF base Menwith Hill, North Yorkshire.

Assistant Chief Constable John Bligh, of the MOD Police, paid tribute to him, saying: "David Smith was a well-regarded and conscientious officer who will be missed by his colleagues and the Force."

The back street of Skipton Road, near its junction with Lower West Avenue, was sealed off throughout Saturday as forensic teams searched for evidence and officers made house-to-house inquiries around the area.

Residents said they believed Mr Smith had only recently moved to the area, and that they had not known him well.

One, who asked not to be named, said: "It's been all over town and everyone is really shocked that something like this could happen.

"We're all used to bits of trouble in the town centre, but this is totally different."

A neighbour of PC Smith also paid tribute to him.

She said that he was the best neighbour anyone could ask for' and was very community-minded'.

The neighbour said that PC Smith was originally from Cumbria and had lived at the house for 13 months but the property was currently up for sale.

Police have appealed for witnesses, asking anyone who has not already spoken to officers but believes they may have information to contact them as soon as possible.

Force Incident Manager Inspector Stephen Lawman said: "It is vital that we find out as much as possible about what happened to PC Smith.

"Anyone who knows anything, however small, should get in touch straight away."

Witnesses should call Burnley police on 01282 425001, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.