THE man found hanging after a young woman was killed outside her home was her husband, police revealed last night.

Nusrat Ali, 25, was stabbed in her front garden at the home she shared with her mother and five sisters in Lothian Road, Middlesbrough, on Tuesday morning.

It emerged yesterday that Ms Ali had married the 29-year-old warehouse worker in Pakistan, although the couple had not lived together as man and wife.

He came to Britain about 18 months ago and moved in next door to his wife and her family.

Ms Ali's family said last night they were numb from the incident.

A statement from the family said: "Nusrat was a happy, bubbly, friendly young woman, who had a kind word and a smile for everyone.

"This attack has not only taken her life, but devastated her family and friends.

"Many are finding it extremely hard to come to terms with what has happened and the horror of it all will stay with them."

Her husband, who has not been named, was found hanging in the hallway of his home by police shortly after the stabbing.

He was taken to the James Cook University Hospital, in Middlesbrough, where he is in a critical condition.

Police said they had recovered a large kitchen knife from the scene, which was thought to have been used in the attack.

At one time, Ms Ali was a student at Teesside University, but did not graduate.

She had worked part-time as a youth worker for Middlesbrough Council for about four years. Police officers have appealed for witnesses to come forward to help them piece together what happened.

Detective inspector Stan Drummond, of Cleveland Police, said: "Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, but are keen to speak to people in the area, particularly those who knew Ms Ali."

Anyone with information is asked to call police on (01642) 303126.