Ivan Esack (right) is accused of murdering estranged wife Natalie Esack

The case of an ex-detective charged with murdering his estranged hairdresser wife has been delayed.

Ivan Esack, 38, of Rosewood Drive, Ashford, was expected to enter a plea at Maidstone Crown Court.

However, the case has been adjourned to Monday, July 30.

Esack is accused of stabbing 33-year-old Natalie Esack to death on Monday, April 30.

Kent Police said a post-mortem revealed Natalie died of multiple stab wounds in her salon - Esack Hair and Beauty.

Officers were called to the salon, in Ashford High Street, by paramedics at 9.40am.

Police forensics officers at Esack Hair and Beauty. Picture: Andy Clark

It is understood Natalie, who had been married to Ivan Esack for about eight years, and one employee were in the salon and there were no customers.

Ivan Esack - a former Kent Police detective turned football agent - was arrested an hour later at the couple's home in the town on suspicion of murder.

Emergency workers, including a crew from the Kent Air Ambulance, had fought to save Natalie’s life, but she did not respond to treatment.

A police cordon was thrown around Natalie and Ivan Esack's house in Rosewood Drive, Ashford

Dozens of floral tributes were left outside the salon.

One card read: "You were the best friend I could ever ask for.

"Just seeing your beautiful face everyday made me happy. Thank you for everything. Love you always angel."

It is believed the couple had been married for eight years, but had recently been living apart after Natalie moved out of their home in March.

The couple are not believed to have had any children together.

Shop workers comfort each other after stabbing at hairdressers' in Ashford