Pictured: 'Highly respected' GP, 56, who was found dead with stab wound at home by her thriller writer husband

A 'highly respected and much loved' GP was found dead at her home and died from a stab wound, an inquest has heard.

Dr Kathryn Simpson, 56, was discovered on September 22 this year by her thriller writer husband Duncan at their home in Windsor, where she had lived for almost 30 years.

The inquest at Reading Coroner's Court heard that a post-mortem examination found her medical cause of death was a stab wound to the chest.

Today, neighbours told MailOnline it was 'shocking' when the mother-of-two died and it was 'awful' to hear she had a stab wound.

An inquest was opened into her death on October 29 but a full inquest will take place at a later date.

Neighbours said she was well known in the community.

'Everyone knew her as she was GP and had been here so long' said a neighbour of the family's £700,000 semi-detached home near Windsor racecourse.

'It was shocking when we heard she had died. Her husband still lives at the house but her children have grown up and left.'

Another neighbour said 'Katie was a very close friend. It's too upsetting to talk about what happened'.

Neighbours were unaware that her cause of death was a stab wound,

'I just can't believe that is how she died' said one visibly upset neighbour.

'That is just awful.'

The Dedworth Medical Centre where she worked posted an emotional tribute after she died.

It read: 'It is with deep sadness that we must announce the passing of our dear colleague Dr Katie Simpson.

'Dr Simpson was a much loved and valued colleague and friend to us all at Dedworth and South Meadow Surgeries, as well as a highly respected doctor to her many grateful patients.

'Katie was also a devoted mother, wife and daughter, and our thoughts are very much with her family at this incredibly sad time.'

Husband Duncan's works include The History Of Things To Come and The Dark Horizon Trilogy.