Purchased a nikon d 3100?

Don't know anything about cameras but have been advised this would be a good first camera for my wife so went ahead and bought it only to discover on getting it home that it didn't include the lens. Is this normal. This evidently comes as an extra

Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Body Only
£249.00, http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/nikon/d3100-digital-slr-body-only-85296/show.html

Nikon D3100 Digital SLR Camera with 18-55mm VR Lens
£294.99, http://www.jessops.com/online.store/categories/products/nikon/d3100-digital-slr-camera-with-18-55mm-vr-lens-78032/show.html

So depends on what exact you opted for
Many a time, the price for body with kit lens is the same as the pric for body alone

Yes and no. There will be some indication as to whether it is body only (without lens), or with a lens.
Edit. Fortunately the kit lens (lens that comes bundled with the camera you bought) isn't an expensive lens so, buy one separately.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/...000LWJ1ES/

DSLR cameras are designed to have interchangeable lenses. They are often offered with a low price "kit-lens" which is aimed as a starter pack, however they are also sold as "body-only" as a lot of established photographers already have lenses to use.

That camera normally comes with a lens. That camera has been replaced by the D3200.It's a good camera but the D3200is much better. Can you return the camera? If so, and if you have the money, buy the D3200 which comes with a kit lens. You are on the right track. I have not seen a D3100 sold without a lens in the USA. I'm a photographer, not a camera dealer so I'm not the most informed on this matter but I think my information is pretty accurate.