The husband of a Suffolk mother of two who was murdered after intruders broke into her Australian home has said he has been left feeling "totally lost".

Emma Lovell, 41, died after suffering a fatal stab wound during an invasion of the family home in North Lakes, Queensland.

Her husband, Lee Lovell, 43, was injured during the attack but has since been released from hospital.

"We were broken into on Boxing Day evening while sleeping," he told the Ipswich Star and East Anglian Daily Times.

"We got the invaders out of the house but Emma sustained life-threatening injuries.

"Apparently the top doctor in Queensland attended to perform surgery on site, but she couldn't be saved.

"To say we're devastated is an understatement.

"Emma was my wife, best friend and the best mother to our two children.

"I feel totally lost."

The couple originally hailed from Suffolk and lived together in Ipswich before moving to Australia.

"We used to live in Martin Road," said Lee.

"Ipswich treated us well, but we wanted something more so we moved to Brisbane in 2011."

Ipswich Star: The couple used to live in Martin Road, IpswichThe couple used to live in Martin Road, Ipswich (Image: William Warnes, Newsquest)

This year, the family of four spent Christmas Day on the Sunshine Coast - their first beach Christmas in 11 years, Mr Lovell said in a post on social media. 

A smiling family photo and beach views were shared with the message "hope everyone has a great Christmas Day spent with loved ones and friends".

At around 11.30pm on Boxing Day, Queensland Police received reports of an incident at an address in Whitfield Crescent.

A spokesman said a man and woman allegedly disturbed two people inside their home and a "scuffle" broke out on the front porch.

The two intruders fled on foot.

Emergency services attempted to treat the 41-year-old woman, confirmed as Emma Lovell, who later died as a result of a fatal stab wound.

Following a police investigation, four teenagers were located nearby, just before 4am on December 27.

All four were taken into custody.

Two 17-year-old boys have both been charged with one count each of murder, attempted murder and entering a dwelling with intent in company.

Both have been denied police bail and are due to appear in the Brisbane Children's Court.

A 17-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy continue to assist police with inquiries.