Heartfelt tributes have been paid to stabbing victim Emma Mansell as the community united in grief.
And they included one from the headteacher of the school where she had worked for a decade with youngsters with special needs.
Emma, 37, was fatally stabbed on Sunday night at her home in Reinwood Road, Oakes.
Two children aged nine and 11 also suffered serious injuries in the attack.
A further two children, a six-year-old boy and six-month-old baby girl, suffered minor injuries.
Emma’s death has shocked the community which has joined together and paid their respects to the mum.
Her boyfriend, named locally as 39-year-old Jonny Sutton, has been detained by police in connection with the incident and was also injured.
He is under police guard in hospital.
Emma, who had reverted to her maiden name after her marriage to Stewart Siswick ended, had worked for ten years at Longley School as a teaching assistant for children with special needs.
Headteacher Anne Lawton said: “Emma was a popular and well respected member of the school community.
“She will be sorely missed by everybody. Our thoughts and prayers are with her family.”
Mrs Lawton said that due to the fact Longley is a special school they have a number of ways of assisting pupils in coming to terms with what has happened.
She said the school is working with Kirklees Council and is being fully supported by specialist counsellors.
A police presence remained at the house in Reinwood Road today as forensics officers in white suits continued to scour the scene.
Officers guarded both the front and rear of the terrace house, but police cordons which had sealed off the road had been removed late last night.
Floral tributes have been placed on the wall of the house including one from her nieces.
A message read: “Aunty Emma, Sleep tight, we love you so much, your now with Charlie watching over us. I can never say bye just see you because I will see you again. Love you.”
The Charlie in the message refers to Emma's young son who tragically died several years ago from meningitis.
Another floral tribute said: “RIP Emma. So sad you have been taken from us. I will never forget how you helped me get by in school. Sleep tight, from Ben Gronow”.
June Fuery, 52, choked back tears and was shaking as she laid flowers at Emma’s home.
She said: “I worked with Emma behind the bar at Oakes Club. I knew her before that as I knew her mum and dad.
“We we had some right laughs at the club. She was a lovely lady. Bubbly and outgoing. She loved her children. She was heartbroken when Charlie died from meningitis some years ago.
“My neighbour’s friend went out into the street and saw her eldest covered in blood.
“She thought he had fallen off his bike then he told what had happened.”
The Salvation Army Hall, which is a few minutes walk from where the horrific attack took place, was opened on Monday night to offer prayer and support to anyone affected by Emma’s death.
St Stephen’s Church, Lindley, was also opened in response to local requests and will be open each evening this week. Friends and even those who never even met Emma who are deeply saddened by her death have gathered to light a candle in her memory, chat and pray for her family.
Police said: “The 39-year-old man who was detained remains in hospital with non life threatening injuries.
“We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.
“Enquiries are ongoing to establish the full circumstances surrounding the incident and Neighbourhood Policing Team officers are patrolling the area, offering support and reassurance to local residents. Witnesses or anyone with information have been asked to contact Protective Services Crime on the non emergency number 101 or Crimestoppers in confidence on 0800 555 111.”
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