LONG-SERVING science teacher Mrs Avril Brown was found dead at her home on Friday, January 11.

Mrs Brown, head of chemistry at Queens' School in Aldenham Road, Bushey, since 1979, was described by headteacher Mr Terence James as "an extremely dedicated teacher, who always put the interests of her students first".

Children at Queens' School in Aldenham Road, Bushey, returned to school on Monday, January 14, to the news that Mrs Brown had been found dead at her home by police on Friday, January 11, at 3.45pm.

A post-mortem carried out at the weekend and concluded yesterday (Sunday) concluded the 51-year-old had died of multiple stab wounds to her chest.

Her husband, Mr Thomas Brown, was arrested. He appeared at Luton Magistrates' Court this morning and is scheduled to appear at Luton Crown Court on Tuesday, January 22.