British expat stabbed to death at her home in Spain while her three children were in the house

Her eldest child, an 11-year-old boy, reportedly fled into the communal garden of the residential complex seeking assistance.

According to neighbours, the youngster also contacted his grandmother by telephone, allegedly telling her that "his father had killed his mother."

Ms Hart's twin daughters, aged seven, were also present in the home during the incident, though it remains unclear whether they witnessed the attack.

Residents in the area reported hearing screams coming from the property and rushed to investigate.

One neighbour who entered the home reportedly discovered Hart lying on the ground in a pool of blood, with a kitchen knife beside her body.

Her former partner, Juan Antonio Rueda, 37, reportedly presented himself at Alhaurin de la Torre Prison following the attack.

According to local newspaper Malaga Hoy, he allegedly told staff: "Arrest me, I've done something very bad."

A Civil Guard spokesman confirmed an investigation had been launched, stating: "Her ex-partner has been arrested as the alleged killer."

The suspect is expected to appear before a judge tomorrow.

Ms Hart had lived in Spain alongside her mother and sister since her teenage years.

She first met Mr Rueda, a local man who managed a chicken rotisserie business in the town, in 2011, and the couple married in 2017.

However, their relationship had deteriorated in recent months, with locals reporting the pair had separated.

Mr Rueda was subject to a restraining order that prohibited him from approaching Hart or entering the family home.

Despite this, neighbours indicated he had maintained contact with his children and had occasionally collected them from the property.

Ms Hart had been registered on Spain's VioGen system, established under legislation targeting gender-based violence, where her case was reportedly classified as low-risk.

Alhaurin el Grande Town Council issued a statement expressing its "deepest sorrow" and its "absolute rejection and condemnation of this act of gender-based violence, a social scourge that seriously violates human rights and which we must eradicate with the involvement of the whole of society."

Mayor Anthony Bermudez declared Monday an official day of mourning as a sign of "respect and solidarity".

Friend Jane Naughton expressed her shock online, writing: "What a wicked, evil thing to happen. We will all miss you terribly Victoria, many lives will never be the same again. It's just so unfair."

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