A TOP retail executive was fatally wounded at his home in China after a heated argument with his estranged wife, an inquest heard yesterday.

Michael Clark Simpson, aged 34, who was born in Boscombe and lived in Wimborne until his late teens, died after being stabbed in the neck and back by his wife, WeiWei Fu at his Shanghai apartment, as their two children slept in their bedrooms.

His new girlfriend, Rachel Lin, was also attacked by WeiWei Fu during the violent outburst - which took place on March 20 this year.

Now Michael’s family are working to bring his two children, Jack, aged 7, and Alice, aged 4, back from China. Yesterday, Michael’s brother Andrew Simpson, told Bournemouth Coroner’s Court: “Away from work his overwhelming passion was for his two children. We haven’t seen or heard from the kids since Michael’s passing, as they were taken by his wife’s brother. We don’t know exactly where they are.”

The court heard how Michael joined Next in London, starting out as a retail assistant before working his way up to management, and then operations manager in the Far East.

“Once he was in China he flourished, opening stores across the country,” Andrew said. At the time of the fatal knife attack, Michael and WeiWei Fu had been separated for around two years and divorce proceedings had been started, the court heard.

“She (WeiWei Fu) arrived at Michael’s apartment unexpected with two friends, an argument ensued, she produced a knife,” Andrew told the court. “I understand that within a few seconds, a minute, she’d attacked him. There were no real defensive wounds. She just attacked him and then went for Rachel as well.”

Rachel, who remains in China, suffered severe wounds to her arm.

Speaking after the hearing, Andrew said: “We are trying to grieve but we are also trying to fight for custody of the children.”

Initially a postmortem took place in China. Details were passed to British authorities, who ordered a second when Michael’s body was repatriated.

This report concluded Michael died following a stab wounds to the neck and back.

Deputy Dorset Coroner Richard Middleton recorded a verdict of unlawful killing at yesterday’s inquest.

WeiWei Fu is set to go on trial next Monday in China for murder. She faces 50 years if found guilty.

Meanwhile, a crowdfunding website has been set up to help cover the Simpson family’s legal fight. Details are at: www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/jack-and-alice