AN APPEAL to raise money for the children of a Bromsgrove woman, who was declared dead on New Year’s Day after a suspected knife attack, has reached a quarter of its target.

A total of £655 has been raised for the two sons and daughter of Melanie Clark, who was named locally after she died at her home in Cloverdale, Stoke Prior.

Her husband, David Clark, 49, of Cloverdale, Stoke Prior, has appeared at court accused of killing the 44-year-old mother-of-three.

Members of the community are being urged to “pull together” to raise £2,000 in support of Melanie’s three children.

Claire Edwards, who launched the campaign, said: “I am asking the local community to help show support to these boys and their sister in their time of need.

“The boys are well known locally to Stoke Prior and Bromsgrove and have always been such a delight to anyone who has met them.

“Whilst we will all realise that no amount of money can take away the family's pain and grief, we hope that it may at least show that we are all here for them and are willing to lend support in any way we can.

“Let's pull together as a community and show this family that they are not alone."

To donate visit justgiving.com/crowdfunding/inmemoryofmelanieclark.