THE husband of a mother stabbed 45 times had previously made threats he would burn and hang her, an inquest heard.

Sanambir Punni was found lying dead at the bottom of the stairs in a foetal position in her home in Beaumont Drive, Northfleet.

The 38-year-old had multiple injuries, including wounds to the chest, shoulder and back, caused by a penknife with a locking blade.

Her body was discovered after firefighters found her husband, Nachhater Punni had set fire to himself in the driving seat of a Ford Mondeo at the rear of the property.

Detective Sergeant Sam Hudson-Gool told the inquest the couple, who had two children, Sunny and Sharon, had been together 20 years as a result of an arranged marriage.

He said Mrs Punni, who suffered emotional abuse in the marriage, had moved out of the marital bedroom.

The couple were living separate lives.

Mr Punni was unhappy his wife had undertaken a beauty therapy course at North West Kent College and was setting up a beauty treatment business.

The inquest heard how Mr Punni, 42, had previously made threats he would burn and hang his wife.

Police investigating the scene on August 13 this year found blood-stained clothes at the top of the stairs and a knife was found in the bathroom sink.

A replica knife was shown to the couple's daughter who told police her father kept a knife similar knife in his wardrobe.

Bloody footprints were found in the house.

Det Serg Hudson-Gool said Mrs Punni could have received some of her injuries where she lay at the bottom of the stairs.

A strong smell of petrol was discovered in a bedroom and a rope and a carpet knife were also found in the house.

The inquest at Gravesend Coroner's Court heard how Mr Punni was found wearing his seatbelt with the car engine off.

A verdict of unlawful killing was recorded for Mrs Punni.

Coroner Roger Hatch told the Gravesend inquest Mr Punni took his own life.