Shock as North East travel agent killed in attack
COLLEAGUES AND CUSTOMERS WITNESS BRUTAL INCIDENT
A NORTHUMBERLAND travel agent was killed in front of customers in an alleged knife attack in Merseyside.
Cassie Hayes, 28, died after she was allegedly attacked in front of customers at the Tui branch where she worked in Southport, Merseyside, shortly before 1.25pm on Saturday. It is understood Ms Hayes comes from Alnwick in Northumberland.
The travel agent was treated at the scene and taken to Southport Hospital where she later died from an injury to her throat. Police said a post-mortem examination showed the cause of death was shock and haemorrhaging as a result of the wound.
Andrew Burke, of Vincent Street, St Helens, remains in custody and will appear at South Sefton Magistrates’ Court this morning charged with murder.
Ms Hayes is believed to have moved to the Merseyside area 11 years ago.
Last night her devastated family paid tribute to an “amazing, kind human being”.
In a statement, they said: “Our whole lives have been shattered. This has torn our hearts from our bodies. Cassie was an amazing, kind human being who would do anything for anyone. She doted on all her family and our loss is beyond calculation. We ask that our family be left to grieve in private.”
Tributes on social media described her as “such a lovely lady” who will be “sadly missed”.
A spokesman for TUI said: “We regret to confirm that a female member of staff at our Southport TUI retail store tragically died in an incident today. We send our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of the staff member involved. We’re doing everything possible to assist the local police with their investigation and support our customers and staff at this difficult time.”