A POLICEMAN was last night charged with the murder of his wife.

PC Ivor Jones, 40, who is a serving officer with Cleveland police, will appear at Teesside Magistrates' Court this morning.

The body of Maria Jones, 36, was found in the bedroom of the family home at Barwick Close, Ingleby Barwick, on Thursday.

Mrs Jones, a hairdresser, had multiple stab wounds.

The area was sealed off and forensic officers were there for most of the day, with between 40 and 50 officers assigned to the case.

The couple's home, where they lived with their three children, was still being searched by officers yesterday prior to PC Jones being charged.

PC Jones has been a police officer for at least 20 years and is based at Cleveland Police headquarters, in Ladgate Lane, Middlesbrough.

Mrs Jones was his second wife after his first marriage ended in divorce.

Mrs Jones was originally from Burton-on-Trent, Staff-ordshire, but her mother is believed to be living in the Teesside area.

The couple have three sons, aged 13, ten and eight, who are being cared for by relatives.

Neighbours described the youngsters as "three lovely boys".