John Dryden, 43, of Thacking Lane, Ingleton, will appear before Lancaster Magistrates this morning, Monday.

The attack on Tracy Dryden happened at around 8:30am on Schoolhouse Lane.

Police were called by members of the public to reports of an incident involving a man and a woman on the street.

On arrival they found the woman with serious injuries.

An ambulance was called to the scene at 8.37am.

A North West Ambulance Service spokeswoman said paramedics were called at 8.37am following reports a woman had been stabbed.

But they pronounced her dead at the scene.

The road was cordoned off whilst crime scene investigators carry out their work and a major incident room was opened at the station.

One resident in neighbouring High Road, who did not wish to be named, said: "I saw police cars flying past at the top of the road at about 8.30am.

"There are lots of rumours circulating about what has happened. This is just shocking."

Det Supt Kevin Toole, from the force major investigation team, said: "I would appeal to anyone who witnessed the incident to come forward and contact us. I need to build up a clear picture of events in order to establish what has happened."

Supt Jon Puttock, from Lancaster Police, said: "I would like to reassure the public that crimes of this nature are very rare.

"Our local neighbourhood police teams will be out in the area throughout the day and engaging with residents to provide a high visibility presence and to offer reassurances to the local community."

Anyone with information should call police on 01524 63333 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.