Police have issued the first picture of a mother-of-two who died with her friend in what officers believe was a double murder at a house in Devon.

The body of Deborah Jones, 35, pictured, was found with the body of Donna St John, 35, at a house in Barnstaple at the end of last month by firefighters who were called to deal with a fire.

The women had suffered stab wounds.

Police released the photograph as news broke that Ms Jones' estranged husband, who was arrested on suspicion of murder, had been discharged from hospital.

Neil Langmead had been under police guard at North Devon District Hospital ever since the bodies were found. Mr Langmead, 40, who worked as a builder was found at the property and was taken to hospital suffering from serious injuries, believed to be stab wounds.

Yesterday afternoon, police announced that Mr Langmead had been released from hospital care and was last night back in police custody at Barnstaple police station.

After his arrest he was unable to be questioned due to his poor health. Mr Langmead has not been charged with any offence.

The fire at the property in Fortmead Close broke out at about 9am on Sunday, August 22.

The two women had been out drinking together in the town from about 10pm the night before.

Firefighters discovered the dead womens' bodies in the kitchen of the house.

Mr Langmead and his wife had been living separate lives for at least a month after Ms Jones started renting the cul-de-sac property where her body was found.

She had a son and daughter from a previous relationship and Mr Langmead has two sons from a previous marriage.

Last night police said they were continuing to investigate the tragedy. Detective Inspector Mike West, who is leading the investigation, said: "The main suspect in this case has been removed from hospital and is in police custody.

"Interviews are expected to take place over the next few days."

Early in the investigation police said they were not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

A team of more than 40 police staff are working on the case.

Following the two deaths police confirmed that a man had been served with a harassment warning notice in relation to Ms Jones on August 14.

She had reported a breach of the order to police on August 20.