A FORMER nurse Brenda Richardson, 54, was due to appear in court at Burnley today charged with murdering her husband who was found on Saturday night with a stab wound.

Police were called to a house in Pinfold Place, Nelson, at 10.10pm and found Brian Richardson, 56, with a serious stab wound. His wife Brenda, 54, was later arrested.

A knife with a blade of at least 5in was removed from the scene. Paramedics fought for 30 minutes but could not revive him.

Neighbours described the Richardsons as a quiet couple who kept themselves to themselves.

Next-door-neighbour Julie Bridge, 27, said: "I can't believe this has happened in my own street." The Richardsons have two sons, Philip, in his 20s, who still lives at home, but was not in the house when the incident happened, and an older son, Simon, who lives away.

Mrs Richardson used to be a nurse, but latterly has worked in a home for the elderly. Mr Richardson was made redundant from G-Plan and set up his own pet grooming business. The couple had lived in the area for many years and bought their council house some years' ago.

Gail and Michael Simcock, who live in the same terrace, said: "We heard all these sirens and police vans and cars filled the street. They sealed the road off and everyone was wondering what had happened.

"I saw Mrs Richardson earlier on Saturday when she went out to move her car so a new neighbour could move in."

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