Murder at McDonald's

Horrified families fled in terror as a McDonald's worker was knifed to death while supervising a children's party.

Parents and children left half-eaten meals scattered across the bloodstained restaurant after Jackie Marshall, 57, was attacked, apparently by a former colleague.

The branch was packed with people enjoying a trip to a retail and leisure park in Chichester, West Sussex.

As distraught diners ran outside, Mrs Marshall's co-workers tried to stem the bleeding from her wounds until 999 crews arrived. She died later in hospital.

Children and staff were treated for shock at the restaurant inside the ?10million Chichester Gate complex.

Mrs Marshall, a grandmother and a McDonald's employee for 15 years, had worked there since it opened two years ago.

Last night, the company said it had offered counselling to staff traumatisedby Saturday lunchtime's incident. A spokesman added: ' We are absolutely shocked and horrified.

'Our thoughts and sympathies are with the family of a much-loved, valued and respected member of our team.'

The restaurant remained closed yesterday as floral tributes to Mrs Marshall, from Southbourne, West Sussex, were left outside.

Police said she was married for more than 35 years and had a close-knit family of children and grandchildren.

'She was very well-known in the area. She did a lot of charity work,' a spokesman added.

Former McDonald's worker Shane Freer, 20, is due before magistrates today charged with murder.