DETECTIVES are questioning a man after a mother of four was stabbed to death and two police officers injured in a knife attack.

Afryl Burr, of Queen Victoria Street, Tredegar, was discovered by her daughter on the kitchen floor of her home at 8pm on Saturday. The 58-year-old had several stab wounds to her body.

A 30-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murdering Mrs Burr - having earlier been arrested for the alleged attempted murder of the two police officers.

The pair, stationed at Rhymney, suffered stomach and chest injuries after approaching a man as he walked on the mountain road from Tredegar to Abertysswg, near Cefn Golau Cemetery at 11.45pm on Saturday.

A spokeswoman for Gwent Police said the officers stopped because they thought the man - who has not been named - was acting strangely, but as they approached he brandished two knives.

He was arrested and taken to Blackwood police station, where police say his possible link with the Victoria Street stabbing later emerged.

The man was arrested on suspicion of Mrs Burr's murder yesterday morning, and was last night due to be transferred to Newport Central police station for questioning.

The injured officers needed hospital treatment. One was discharged and is recovering at home. The other is still in hospital but his injuries are not life-threatening.

Senior investigating officer Detective Superintendent lan Coates said: "This is a very serious and tragic incident.

"There is currently a team of 40 officers working from the major incident room at Ebbw Vale police station who are following up various lines of inquiries.

"However, at this stage we are aware Mrs Burr was last seen on Friday, December 28, at around 11am but she was not seen or heard from between that time and the time her daughter found her at her home in Queen Victoria Street.

"I would like to appeal to anyone who may have seen or spoken to Mrs Burr between those hours to help us piece together her last movements before she was faced with this vicious attack."

He added: "This has been an horrendous incident for Mrs Burr's family to be faced with, but more so for her daughter who found her.

"Losing a loved one under any circumstances is devastating, but to lose someone through these circumstances, especially at Christmas time, makes it even more difficult."

Police officers were yesterday outside Mrs Burr's terraced house, where she had lived for more than 30 years, and the pavement outside her home was taped off.

Mrs Burr, a widow who lived alone, is survived by her long-term partner and four adult children.

Family liaison officers are with her family and partner offering advice and support. Neighbours yesterday told the Argus of their shock.

One said: "We saw a lot going on at the house last night, but we didn't find out what had happened until we heard the news."

And another added: "I didn't know her well but she always seemed a very nice lady."

The coroner has been informed and a post mortem examination carried out. The results are expected today.

* Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room at Ebbw Vale police station on 01495 350999.

* In the picture: Queen Victoria Street, Tredegar.