A mum was stabbed to death as her children slept by a stranger – an hour after police had “spoken to” and let go a man acting suspiciously in her street.

Nicola Cross, 37, was attacked shortly before midnight on Monday while her husband Danny was at work.

Police already attending a break-in at another house in the road were alerted by a neighbour who heard screams.

But it emerged officers had also been called to the street an hour previously by a third person who had seen someone acting suspiciously. They spoke with a man but did not detain him.

It is understood police do not believe Nicola knew her killer.
Scene: Police attending another break-in were alerted by a neighbour who heard screaming (
Image:
SWNS)

The family, with a daughter aged three and a six-year-old son, had recently returned from a holiday in Majorca.

At the weekend they had been to a music festival in London.


A neighbour said: “The woman next door said she heard screaming. There was a light on in the first floor bedroom.

“The door was locked and police had to get in through the next door garden. I saw the children being taken to safety.”
Horror: Mum Nicola's two children, aged three and six, were in the house at the time (
Image:
Facebook)

Another said: "The police and ambulance were called out at about 11 o'clock.

"The woman next door said she heard screaming. There was a light on in the bedroom on the first floor.


"I think the front door was locked and then police had to get in through the next door neighbour's house and the garden.


"Later on I saw a man handcuffed in the street. I saw the children being taken away somewhere safe.
"

Another added: "It is terrible news. Her husband is a lovely man.

"They are a nice family. I know she has been ill lately and was having tests."

Investigation: The case has been referred to the police watchdog (
Image:
SOUTH BEDS NEWS AGENCY)

Nicola ran a greetings card business from the three-storey home in Hemel Hempstead, Herts. Husband Danny has a computer business.

A man aged 25 was arrested on suspicion of murder and a second man, aged 19, was held on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission has also been informed.

Detective Chief Inspector Jerome Kent from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit is investigating and said:

"This is an extremely shocking murder in which a young mother has lost her life.

"Our thoughts are with her children, husband and wider family at this tragic time.

"The family are being fully supported by specially trained officers.
"