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

David Smith, 35, of Skipton Road, Barnoldswick, died at Burnley General Hospital on Friday night after being stabbed in the heart.

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

Police said that a 41-year-old woman who was arrested at the scene has been charged with murder. She will appear before Burnley magistrates on Monday.

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

A police spokesman said officers were called to a violent incident at Mr Smith's Skipton Road home at around 6.45 pm on Friday, where they found him suffering from serious stab wounds.

He was taken to Burnley General Hospital, where he died later.

Lancashire Police force incident manager Graham Smith 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."