Cezary Sobiewski, 40, was due to appear before Wolverhampton Magistrates Court this morning charged with murdering his partner Barbara Barniecka.

Ms Barniecka, 43, was pronounced dead at her Standbridge Way home on Thursday.

Paramedics had been called after reports of someone being injured at the Tipton property.

Sobiewski, a factory worker who lived with the victim, was immediately arrested at the scene.

A post mortem is due to take place this morning to determine the cause of death.

Residents living near to the Standbridge Way house yesterday spoke of their shock over what had happened.

One resident, who did not wish to be named, said he believed a Polish family lived at the address.

"I think they have lived there for around five years. I knew them to say the occasional hello to but they generally kept themselves to themselves. As far as I know they rented the house."

Another resident said: "It is unbelievable to hear something like this has happened. You don't expect something like this on your own doorstep. I think it has shaken everybody."