Tributes have been paid to the British mother-of-three stabbed to death at her home in Spain yesterday.
The victim was named today as 33-year-old Victoria Hart, as friends labelled her ex-partner, the man who was arrested on suspicion of killing her after handing himself in at a nearby prison, an ‘animal’.
She was attacked at around 11.40am local time in the La Paca area of Alhaurin el Grande in Malaga.
Officers discovered a kitchen knife at the scene which was taken away as part of their investigation.
Local reports said her eldest child, an 11-year-old boy who has two twin sisters aged seven, ran into the garden of the residential estate, where they lived a 50-minute drive inland from Marbella, and asked for help.
The youngster is also said to have phoned his grandmother after their mother was attacked.
The man, known by the initials J.A.R., who is understood to be the victim’s ex-partner, has been arrested. He handed himself in to authorities at nearby Alhaurin de la Torre prison after the murder, saying: ‘Arrest me, I’ve done something very bad.’
Victoria posted a photo on her social media showing her walking down the aisle in August 2019.
British mother of three Victoria Hart, 33, pictured, was stabbed to death at her home in Spain yesterday
The expat (pictured here with her mother) lived in the residential estate of Alhuarin el Grande, a 50-minute drive inland from Marbella
Heartfelt tributes have flooded social media for Victoria, with one friend saying: ‘RIP Victoria Hart. This is devastating news. We need to stand up against domestic violence in this country and work against those who are protecting these animals.
‘My prayers are with the family at this terrible time.’
Elaine Mawer, added in a message to a relative of Victoria’s, believed to be her mother, said: ‘I am heartbroken. This should never have happened.
‘Them poor children. Deepest condolences to Sue Hart and all the family. Victoria will be very sadly missed.’
Joanne Wilson wrote: ‘There’s no words in this world that could describe a beautiful person, a great mother, a great friend. Victoria Hart you will be missed.
‘My heart is broken and I still can’t believe it. RIP my angel. I will miss you more than anyone in this world would think.
‘Sending my love to the kids’ mum, Sue and Gemma and all your family.
‘There’s not many people as perfect as Victoria Hart.’
Donna Hancock said on social media: ‘Let’s stand together for Victoria Hart and her family. RIP angel taken too soon. Domestic violence.’
A spokesman for the Civil Guard in Malaga said yesterday: ‘The Civil Guard is investigating the death of a woman in Alhaurin el Grande.
‘Her ex-partner has been arrested as the alleged killer.’
The 33-year-old was attacked at around 11.40am local time in the La Paca area of Alhaurin el Grande (pictured)
So far, little has emerged of the suspect, but Spanish media reported that he was a former semi-professional footballer who previously played in Spain’s Tercera Federación.
It also emerged last night that the victim was registered on VioGen, which is Spain’s monitoring and safeguarding system for women who face gender or domestic violence.
Neighbours claimed that the couple’s relationship had been on the rocks prior to her death and they had been in the process of separating.
They told local media organisation Sur that the woman had been out with friends on Friday afternoon, and that her partner had sent repeated messages throughout the evening trying to find out where she was.
The man had also been made the subject of restraining orders that prohibited him from contacting or seeing the victim in any way, it was reported.
Alhaurin el Grande Town Council said in a statement: ‘The Town Council of Alhaurin el Grande expresses its deepest sorrow at the murder of a woman in her thirties, of British nationality, which took place in our municipality this morning.
‘The town council would like to convey our deepest condolences and support to the victim’s family and friends, as well as our absolute rejection and condemnation of this act of gender-based violence, a social scourge that seriously violates human rights and which we must eradicate with the involvement of the whole of society.
‘The Mayor of Alhaurin el Grande, Anthony Bermudez, on behalf of the Town Council, has declared Monday 26 January 2026 an official day of mourning as a sign of respect and solidarity.’
The Daily Mail has contacted the Foreign Office for comment.
