A woman who was stabbed to death in Wolverhampton had been knifed 18 times in the chest and abdomen it was revealed today as police launched a murder inquiry into her death.

It also emerged today that a 12-year-old boy had witnessed the stabbing in Whitmore Reans.

Officers found the woman and a man in his 30s unconscious with stab wounds at a flat yesterday.

The 36-year-old woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

The man was taken to New Cross Hospital with life-threatening wounds but was today in a stable condition.

No arrests had been made today.

Police and paramedics were called to the flat in Newhampton Road West at around 7.45am yesterday after a 12-year-old boy, who was in the flat at the time, ran to a neighbour’s house and raised the alarm.

West Midlands Police spokesman Brigg Ford said: “There was a boy aged 12 in the flat at the time of the incident.

“We have not been able to confirm what his relationship to the couple is at this stage. He was in a very traumatised state.

“He is being treated as a potential significant witness and is currently being looked after by specially- trained police officers.”

A post mortem on the woman late yesterday confirmed she had suffered 18 stab wounds.

Neighbours believe the pair are of Iranian origin and have a baby together.

Police had today cordoned off the flat, near Gibbs Street and Coleman Street.

Residents living nearby said the flats were used as temporary accommodation.

Anyone with information should call Force CID at Bloxwich police station on 0345 113 5000 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.