FORMER Blackburn Rovers player Graham Fenton was today "absolutely devastated" after being told a former girlfriend had been stabbed to death.

And for the star, now playing for Blackpool, it was the second tragedy in days, following the death of his father.

Charlotte Flanagan, 22, was found by police above the Barley Mow pub in London's West End early on New Year's Day.

She had moved to London from her home in Walmsley Street, Darwen, three months ago and was planning to take a year out before starting a nursing course.

An inquest held on January 3 revealed she had died from a stab wound to the neck.

The man she had rented her Darwen house to while in London, Gareth Richard Horton, 29, was arrested hours after the incident and is due to appear at the Old Bailey on Thursday charged with her murder.

Today 27-year-old forward Fenton confirmed he had dated Charlotte for a while about six years ago while he was still at the Ewood Park club.

He was given time off by Blackpool over the busy Christmas period to mourn the death of his father.

He had only returned to the team last weekend playing in an FA Cup match at Charlton.

Today Fenton said: "I am absolutely devastated by what has happened. It has really shocked me to hear this news.

"She was a lovely girl, very pretty and very very nice.

"I can imagine nothing but praise has been said about her."

Fenton moved from Rovers to Leicester in 1997 for £1.12 million.

He went to Blackpool at the start of the season and has played 13 games for Blackpool, scoring three goals.