A WOMAN charged with murdering an off duty police officer has appeared in court this afternoon.

Susan Phillipson, 41, of Skipton Road, Burnley, was charged with murder at Burnley Magistrates Court, in Lancashire.

The defendant spoke only to confirm her name and address yesterday as she appeared in court. (sept 24) She is accused of killing David Smith, 35, who served with the Ministry of Defence Police.

He was based at the RAF Menwith Hill site, in North Yorkshire, and was killed on Friday.

He died after suffering a stab wound to the heart at his house in Burnley.

Mr Smith, who was off duty at the time, was taken to Burnley General Hospital where he later died.

Phillipson was remanded in custody until a hearing at Preston Crown Court on October 8.