British mother of two was fatally stabbed as she and her husband tried to fend off two burglars who broke into their home in Australia on Boxing Day, according to reports.
Emma Lovell, 41, originally from Ipswich, died after she and husband Lee, 32, were stabbed at their North Lakes home, Queensland.
According to police, a scuffle ensued on the porch as the couple tried to stop the intruders.
Ms Lovell was stabbed in the chest and her husband in the back, according to Queensland Police reports.
Two 17-year-old men have both been charged with one charge murderattempted murder and intentionally breaking into a home in company.
Mr Lovell, who moved to Australia with his wife 11 years ago, has now been released from hospital.
A tribute to his wife, Mr Lovell, told Daily Mail Australia: “She died trying to protect me and our family. We are all devastated by what happened. I miss her so much.”
He said he and his wife were alerted to the presence of the two intruders through a home security system.
Mr Lovell added: “We heard our two dogs barking, Emma checked our Swann security app and saw the front door was open.
“We both ran out our bedroom door, Emma behind me, and saw two people in our house.
“I didn’t even know there was a problem until my daughter saw her mother bleeding.”
Christina Lofthouse, 41, who lives in Britain and was Ms Lovell’s best friend for 33 years, today described her as “the best friend a girl could have”.
She said: “She was the first person I messaged in the morning and the last person I spoke to at night.
“I am heartbroken that my best friend is gone and I can no longer speak to her, hug her, laugh with her and cry with her.
“Her poor daughters, husband, mother, brother and sister. As a family we are heartbroken to lose the best friend a girl could have. We had a friendship like no other.’
The suspects have been denied bail and will appear Brisbane Wednesday for the kids.
A GoFundMe page has been set up by the community in Queensland, where the couple was much loved. The page has a goal of 50,000 Australian dollars (£28,000) and has already raised 32,000.
Lorna Golompick wrote on the page: “Lee Lovell and his beautiful girls lost their beautiful wife, best friend and mother last night in shocking circumstances. Emma was beautiful inside and out – she helped run our family smoothly with her fantastic ironing service and she always had time for a pet and a game with our golden retriever – just like Lee when they delivered as a team every Sunday. Our family is heartbroken for them so we are sharing this page to increase the support Lee can receive with his girls in the coming days. We send them love and prayers to hold them minute by minute, hour by hour, day by day.”
Naomi Sprudzans, who set up the page, wrote; The North Lakes Community supports the Lovell family during this difficult time. While the financial support won’t bring Emma back, hopefully we can give the family some time to mourn the loss of a wife and mother. Emma Lovell has tragically passed away at the age of 41.
Emma is survived by her husband Lee and two daughters, who now face the unimaginable loss of their beloved wife and mother. At this difficult time as a community, let’s help Lee and the girls navigate this heartbreaking tragedy.
“Any donations, no matter how small, are greatly appreciated and will be used to help the family with expenses during this difficult time. Please keep the Lovell family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.”