Mum is stabbed to death as neighbour tries to stop attack
A MUM was stabbed to death in her home before a neighbour who had run to her rescue was also knifed, police said yesterday.
Melissa Belshaw, 32, was in her house with her teenage daughter when she was killed.
Her Good Samaritan neighbour was last night recovering in hospital from serious wounds.
Melissa’s daughter was heard to scream: “I don’t want you to die” as she ran out into the street during the attack on her mother.
Her cries were heard by the neighbour, in his 40s, who tried to intervene, only to be stabbed himself.
Another man, aged 36, was last night in police custody after being arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
The attack took place in Billinge, a village near Wigan, just before 4.10pm on Wednesday.
Chris Parr, 35, who lives nearby, saw the girl, who has not been named, run outside.
He said: “It was heartbreaking hearing her cry for her mother. She was delirious and running about before police got hold of her.”
Another witness, who asked not to be named, said he saw two men fighting in the road. He said: “The man on top looked to be trying to stab the man on the floor with a large knife. By the time I had passed police were at the scene.”
Last night, family and friends paid tribute to the beautician.
Her stepmum Lisa Belshaw said that Melissa would “do anything” for her daughter.
Lisa added: “I got a phone call saying a man had gone into her house and stabbed her. She was lovely. She is going to be so sadly missed.”
Melissa’s friend Kimberley Phillips said: “She must have been terrified beyond belief, her daughter scared to death – now scarred for the rest of her life. Melissa’s poor mum – no parent should ever have to bury their child. Melissa’s family are all absolutely heartbroken now and have to live with this loss forever.
“She’s gone now, gone. Horrific circumstances.”
Another friend, Leanne Fairhurst, described Melissa as “caring and lovely. She had a good heart. She was so outgoing and was always smiling and loved a good time.
“I just broke down in tears when I found out. I am going to miss her.”
Det Supt Jamie Daniels of Greater Manchester Police said: “Our thoughts are with the lady’s loved ones as well as with the man who is currently in hospital.
“We will do all that we can to provide them with answers.”