Detectives were continuing to question a 40-year-old policeman today over the murder of his wife.

Pc Ivor Jones was arrested by Cleveland Police colleagues at his £250,000 detached house in Ingleby Barwick, near Stockton, on Thursday where his 36-year-old wife Maria had suffered multiple stab wounds.

The couple's three sons, aged 13, 10 and eight, were being cared for by relatives.

Cleveland Police said today that Pc Jones, an officer with 20 years' service, would continue to be questioned about his wife's death today.

At a news conference after the incident Detective Superintendent Brian Dunn, who is leading the inquiry, said the killing had shocked officers. He said: ''A lot of people in the police service knew him and are extremely shocked.

''However, everyone is being very professional and this will be dealt with exactly the same as if it were an ordinary member of the public.''

Neighbours have said Mr and Mrs Jones seemed a ''model couple''.