Family shock at murder of Jacqueline (26) in New Zealand

Burnley-born Jacqueline Allister (26) was stabbed by her partner Ivor Christiansen (36) during an argument at their home in Pakuranga, near Auckland, on December 19th. It is believed Mr Christiansen then killed himself.

Jacqueline, described as “a beautiful and loving person”, was the granddaughter of Mr Peter Shaw, well-known in Burnley and Pendle for his many years in the motor trade.

It is the second tragedy to hit Mr Shaw’s family, coming just two years after his son John was killed in a traffic accident.

Jacqueline’s parents, Helen and Ian, as well as John, moved to New Zealand 25 years ago when she was 13 months old.

Mr Shaw, of Wellfield Drive, Burnley, said: “It is just terrible and a complete mystery why this has happened. Helen is devastated. Jacqueline and Ivor had been together for five years and apparently they seemed very happy.

“Helen says no-one will ever know why this happened. Helen’s brother, my son John, was killed in an accident in 2008 in New Zealand. It just all seems too much to take.”

Jacqueline, who had three children, Tiffany, Cameron and Shaun, had returned home from a barbecue with Ivor when the fatal argument took place.

Her sister Sarah (14) was baby-sitting the couple’s children when the argument started and she dialled the emergency services.

Neighbours were quoted as hearing a “violent argument” taking place and the arrival of police cars minutes later.

The New Zealand Herald reported that when police arrived at the house they found the bodies of the pair. Police confirmed they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, and said both people had sustained serious knife wounds.

Mr Shaw (71), a member of Nelson, Brierfield and Reedley Rotary Club, was the owner of Peter Shaw Motors in Brierfield until his retirement and is a former chairman of Pendle Sunday Charity Football League.

He added: “Jacqueline only visited England once, when she was 10. I last visited New Zealand three years ago and people always said what a lovely person she was.

“It is absolutely terrible. She was my daughter’s daughter and I dread to think what she is going through now.

“It must have been an awful thing for young Sarah to witness. Helen, who is a teacher, will now look after Jacqueline’s children. She has had lots of help from local people already.”

Jacqueline’s father Ian, who has been back in Colne for 18 months, has flown out for his daughter’s funeral this week.