THE family of a newlywed man whose wife has been charged with his murder today said they were stunned by what had happened.

Ian Roger Osliffe, 35, died on a hospital operating table on Sunday after suffering stab wounds at his home in Green Park, Whalley.

His wife, Catherine, 33, was arrested at the scene -- where the couple lived with her two children -- and was charged with his murder on Monday evening.

The couple had only returned from their honeymoon a week before.

Mrs Osliffe's two daughters were in the house at the time of the incident, along with another 14-year-old.

Mr Osliffe, who was a partner in a fencing firm, married Catherine fives week ago at Whalley Parish Church, just 100 yards away from their semi-detached home.

His parents Ann and Michael live in nearby Woodlands Drive.

In a statement released through police, his parents said: "We are stunned at the tragic loss of a precious member of our family.

"He had so many friends and we are sure he will be so sadly missed by all who knew him."

His business partner in the fencing firm, Kevin Stevenson, said he was still too 'stunned' about what had happened to speak about it.

He said the pair had run ARK, the name of their company, for seven years.

Catherine Osliffe appeared before Blackburn Magistrates on Tuesday, charged with her husband's murder.

She was remanded in custody until her first appearance before Preston Crown Court on June 16.

Floral tributes have been left outside the couple's house.

An inquest has been opened into the death of a 35 year old Whalley man as a result of stab wounds.

Ian Osliffe, of Green Park, died in the operating theatre at Blackburn Royal Infirmary on Sunday following an incident at his home address.

His wife Caroline, 33, a college lecturer, has been charged with his murder and remanded in custody to appear at Preston Crown Court next week.

The couple had been married for just five weeks and had returned from a honeymoon cruise one week before Mr Osliffe's death.