'I Think the Children Saw It': UK Man Surrenders After Allegedly Killing His Ex-Wife at Her Home in Spain

A British mother-of-three has been tragically killed at her home in southern Spain, with authorities arresting her estranged husband, who had a restraining order forbidding him from contacting her. The incident has left family, friends, and the local community in shock.

Victoria Hart, 33, a hairdresser originally from the UK, was found fatally stabbed at her residence in the La Paca area of Alhaurin el Grande, Malaga, on Monday morning.

Local media reported that she was discovered in a pool of blood with a kitchen knife nearby. The attack reportedly took place at around 11:40 a.m., with neighbours alerted by her children's cries.

Estranged Husband Hands Himself in After Fatal Attack

Victoria's estranged husband, Juan Antonio Rueda, handed himself in at a nearby prison shortly after the incident, reportedly telling officers: 'Arrest me, I've done something very bad.' Spanish authorities confirmed he was under investigation by the Civil Guard in Malaga as the alleged perpetrator.

Local reports described Rueda as a former semi-professional footballer who previously played in Spain's Tercera Federación. Despite a restraining order preventing him from approaching Victoria's home, he managed to gain entry, prompting urgent questions about the enforcement of protective measures.

'I Think the Children Saw It': Horrific Attack at Family Home

A source close to the family said, 'I think the children saw it. Victoria had been trying to divorce him because he had been hitting her. The police had banned him from the house, but he managed to get in. I'm told it was the children who pressed the panic button.'

The children — an 11-year-old boy and his seven-year-old twin sisters — reportedly ran into the garden of their estate seeking help. The eldest is also said to have phoned their grandmother immediately after the attack.

Neighbours and Friends Devastated by Tragic Murder

Friends and neighbours described the tragedy as utterly devastating. Many were aware of the couple's troubled relationship, which had been deteriorating prior to Victoria's death. On social media, heartfelt tributes poured in.

One friend wrote: 'RIP Victoria Hart. This is devastating news. We need to stand up against domestic violence in this country.' Another added: 'There are no words in this world that could describe a beautiful person, a great mother, a great friend. Victoria Hart, you will be missed.'

Alhaurin el Grande Town Council has declared a day of mourning, with a minute's silence at 5:00 p.m. on Tuesday, 26 January, in memory of Victoria. A council spokesperson said: 'The Ayuntamiento de Alhaurín el Grande calls on citizens to participate in the mourning rally... we express the strongest repulsion and condemnation of this terrible act of violence, as well as solidarity and support to the victim's family.'

Mother-of-Three Remembered as Loving and Close-Knit

Victoria's mother, Susan Hart, previously ran an Estée Lauder concession in a department store, while her father, Sidney Hart, passed away in 2019. Friends highlighted Victoria's dedication to her three children and described her as a loving mother and friend.

The family had lived in Spain for several years, reportedly moved for a better life, and was believed to be close-knit. One source said: 'I don't know who is going to look after the children, or if they will be in a fit state to do so. They were all very, very close.'

Spanish Authorities Probe Fatal Stabbing Amid Domestic Violence Concerns

Victoria Hart had been registered on VioGen, Spain's safeguarding system for women at risk of domestic violence. Authorities continue to investigate the circumstances of her death, examining how Rueda was able to enter the property despite the restraining order.

Spanish law treats gender-based violence cases with particular seriousness, and this case has reignited public discussion on the effectiveness of protective measures and the broader fight against domestic abuse.