A DRIFFIELD mother was allegedly stabbed to death  in front of her two-year-old son by her estranged husband.

Police have confirmed devoted mum  Linda Merigo, 40, died from “multiple stab wounds” after being attacked outside her home on Wednesday afternoon.

Mrs Merigo’s  husband, handyman Alfredo George Merigo, 43, was arrested at the scene and later charged with murder.

Neighbours have told the Mail the couple’s two-year-old son was with his mother at the time of the alleged attack at her home in Clematis Close. They have reported hearing a youngster scream and said the tot was found in his pushchair.

Officers were called at 5.50pm after a call from a neighbour.

Mrs Merigo, a social worker,  described as a “doting mother”, died at the scene at the quiet cul-de-sac.

A post mortem carried out on Thursday confirmed the cause of death as multiple stab wounds.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Hibbitt, of the major incident team, confirmed the couple had separated.

He said: “Alfredo Merigo was the estranged husband of Linda Merigo and my heart goes out to the family at this tragic time. The family are currently being supported by specialist family liaison officers.

“We would ask anyone who has got any information about the couple’s relationship and estrangement to contact us.

“We have had a lot of support and help from the public. ”

When asked by the Mail if the toddler saw the alleged attack, DCI Hibbitt  said: “I can’t confirm that. It is a line of inquiry we are continuing with.

“Their boy is just two years old. He is being supported and cared for. Because of his tender years, it’s a very sensitive process.”

He is  now staying with relatives, police said.

The couple’s son was page boy at 16 weeks old when they wed at Beverley Register Office in 2008.

The family lived together in Driffield until Mr and Mrs Merigo separated.

Mrs Merigo had lived in the semi-detached house with her child in Clematis Close for only a few months, while her husband was living at Weelsby Street in Grimsby.

Mrs Merigo’s neighbour and close friend Tessa Turton, who knew her for 20 years, described her as “a lovely lady who was always thinking of others”.

She said: “Linda was a great mother. She doted on the boy and idolised  him. He was her only child. She was a lovely person and a great friend. Everyone will really miss her.

“She was well-known locally, as she had lived around the area for a long time.”

Mrs Merigo had previously lived in Hull, when her job in social work took her to the south bank, where she met Alfredo.

Her maiden name was Bradley and she was part of a well-known East Yorkshire farming family, who lived at Golden Hill Farm, Wansford, near Driffield, for many years.

Mr Merigo, who used to work as a LGV driver, has a teenage son and young daughter from a previous relationship.

He will appear at Hull Crown Court on Monday.

Anyone with information should call the major incident room on 01377 208989.