Detectives will not be able to speak to the man suspected of killing Wheatley mother Debbie Smith for up to a week.

They formally arrested the man - who had been found with a serious neck injury at the same time as the fatally-wounded Mrs Smith - on Tuesday night, but he remains in hospital in a serious condition.

Mrs Smith, a 47-year-old mother of one, died after her throat was cut at her home in Bell Lane, Wheatley, on Bank Holiday Monday.

It is believed the 49-year-old is her husband Russell Yeates. His injuries are not considered life-threatening. The couple married last year at Oxford Register Office.

A 24-hour police guard will remain at the John Radcliffe Hospital until he is well enough to be interviewed.

Last night Det Insp Colin Seaton, who is leading the investigation, praised neighbours and witnesses for coming forward but appealed for more people to contact police.

He said: "We have made an arrest but the man is in hospital and likely to remain there for five to eight days in the care of medical staff, due to the injuries he has.

"We will not question him until he is fit to be interviewed.

"As long as he remains under arrest and at the hospital, officers will be there for security."

Forensic officers today finished their fingertip examination of Bell Lane, and removed a police cordon.

The house where Ms Smith was discovered remains sealed off and forensic officers are continuing to work inside.

Mr Seaton said police expected to remain at the scene until Friday but would not comment on whether a weapon had been retrieved.

Mr Seaton added: "I'd like to thank the community of Wheatley for coming forward with information and we have had a very good response.

"But we are continuing to appeal for information and witnesses.

"There may still be people out there with information who have not spoken to us yet and I urge them to come forward."

Mrs Smith's parents are still too distraught to speak about her death.

Police were called to reports from passers-by of a domestic argument in the street at Bell Lane on Monday at about 4pm.

Mr Yeates was found in the street with wounds to his neck while Mrs Smith was discovered inside her house with her throat cut.

Both were taken to hospital but Mrs Smith was dead on arrival.

Officers have been in Wheatley handing out leaflets to residents and extra reassurance patrols will also be held over the next few days.

Anyone with information who has yet to speak to police should contact officers on 08458 505505 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.