Former police officer pleads not guilty to murdering partner

A former Surrey Police detective has pleaded not guilty to murdering his police officer partner at their home last year.

Heather Cooper, who served with the force, was killed by a blow to the head and a stab wound to the throat last October. Her body was found near Lurgashall, West Sussex.

Thirty-six-year- old Peter Foster entered his plea at Lewes Crown Court and was remanded in custody until a trial on June 11.

Ms Cooper was on maternity leave following the birth of her second child at the time of her death.

She served as a detective constable in the Public Protection Investigation Unit based at Guildford police station.