DETECTIVES investigating death of a popular mother-of-two have charged a man with her murder.

Julie Anne Mordue died last Tuesday, after suffering stab wounds at her home in Northallerton, North Yorkshire.

Nigel John McLean, 40, is due to appear before Northallerton magistrates tomorrow, Monday, charged with her murder.

It is thought that he was 38-year-old Miss Mordue's boyfriend.

Police were called to an address in Vicars Croft, close to Northallerton town centre, at about 2.15pm on Tuesday.

Miss Mordue was taken to the town's Friarage Hospital, less than half a mile from her home, but medics were unable to save her.

Her two young children were not believed to have been in the house at the time of the incident.

Neighbours in Vicars Croft had named Miss Mordue and police publicly confirmed her identity over the weekend.

A spokeswoman for North Yorkshire Police said: "Detectives have charged 40-year-old Nigel John McLean with the murder of 38-year-old Julie Anne Mordue.

"McLean is due to appear a Northallerton Magistrates' Court on Monday."

A police presence was being maintained in Vicars Croft yesterday, as the investigation in Miss Mordue's death continued.

Three marked police vehicles were visible in the quiet cul-de-sac, as a team of forensic and scenes of crime officers carried out their duties.

Staff in protective clothing could be seen going in and out of Miss Mordue's home throughout the day.

At least one uniformed officer was also present.

More than 30 floral tributes have now been left outside Miss Mordue's house.

One read: "I am devastated, love to you all."

Another read: "Such a loss and such a shame.

"You will be remembered and always bring a smile to friends and family.

"Rest in peace."

Neighbours had earlier spoken of their shock at the incident and described Miss Mordue as "a really nice person".

Neighbour Zega Loraine, said: "The kids were lovely and I feel sorry for them.

"It is really awful and everyone is really upset and shocked."

Danielle Goodwin, who lives nearby, said: "It is a really big shock.

"You don't think something like this is going to happen."