THE fire service has offered its condolences to the family of a retired firefighter who died in a suspected murder.

John Jones, aged 62, previously of Chorley Road, Droitwich, was found dead in his Malaysian home on Thursday morning.

His wife, Samantha, has been arrested on suspicion of murder after she allegedly stabbed him, following a row.

Jill Anthony-Ackery, press manager for Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service (HWFRS), said: “The service was saddened to hear of the death in Malaysia of retired firefighter John Jones.

“During the 1980s, John joined HWFRS and served at Kidderminster Fire Station before transferring to Bromsgrove and then to Droitwich as a crew commander.

"He was promoted to watch commander before leaving HWFRS to join our colleagues in Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service, from which he later retired.

“Our thoughts are with his family in Worcestershire.”