A FORMER Somerset firefighter has been allegedly stabbed to death by his wife following a row, according to reports.

John William Jones, 62, from Martock, was discovered by a neighbour sprawled on the floor with a stab wound to his chest, according to The Mirror.

It is claimed he had been stabbed at around 2.30am yesterday (Thursday).

His wife of 17 years, Samantha, 62, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody.

Malaysia has a mandatory death sentence for anyone found guilty of murder.   

Reports suggest the couple had an argument in their bungalow in Kampung Gelam, Langkawi, during which Mrs Jones is said to have stabbed him.

A police officer is said to have found a blood-covered 12-inch knife in the bedroom of the bungalow.

After her arrest, Mrs Jones is reported to have been handcuffed and put before local magistrates, who remanded her in custody for six days.

A postmortem is due to be carried out on Mr Jones.

It is believed the couple were granted extended residency in Malaysia.

A Foreign Office spokesman said: "We are supporting the family of a British man following his death in Malaysia, and are in contact with the Malaysian authorities."

He added: "We are assisting a British woman and her family following her arrest in Malaysia, and are in contact with the Malaysian police."