NEIGHBOURS have spoken of their shock after a man was charged with murdering his wife.

David Gerald Ault, 68, has been charged with murder after his wife, Jill Rosemary Ault, was stabbed in their home in Pollington, near Goole.

Humberside Police were called to the three-bedroom house they shared with their daughter in Water Way Garth, at 8.57am on Friday.

Mrs Ault was still alive when ambulance crews arrived, but she died on the way to Pinderfields Hospital, in Wakefield.

Mr Ault was arrested at the scene.

Neighbours said they stood and watched in disbelief as Mrs Ault was put into the ambulance and Mr Ault was handcuffed by police.

Anne Lambton, 68, of Water Way Garth, said: "I just can't believe it. We are all so shocked. It's just unreal.

"I just can't understand what happened.

"It is usually so quiet around here, but it was like a bomb had gone off on Friday morning when all the police and the ambulance arrived.

"I saw her being put into the ambulance. There was blood everywhere. It's just so sad."

Mrs Lambton also paid tribute to her friend Mrs Ault, who was a member of the Women's Country Club, based at the community hall in Pollington. She said: "She was a good friend. I've known her for 24 years. She was a lovely person. They were a lovely couple. She would do anything for anyone."

The couple, who used to own a franchise of Swintons Insurance, in Pontefract, had lived together in Water Way Garth for 24 years.

Richard Bone, who lives next door, said: "We could not have wished for nicer neighbours.

"Jill was great – really friendly and kind. She would bring presents for the kids at Christmas.

"I've been in their house loads of times doing odd jobs for them.

"I only saw her on Thursday night. She was outside on the street tidying up and picking up rubbish.

"If I hadn't seen the police down the street for myself I would never have believed it."

Mr Ault was due to appear at Beverley Magistrates' Court today.

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