Woman dies after horror knife attack
MAN ARRESTED ON SUSPICION OF MURDER AS HERO NEIGHBOUR TREATED IN HOSPITAL
THE woman killed in a double stabbing was a ‘caring and lovely’ mum-ofone, her devastated friends and family said last night.
Melissa Belshaw, 32, suffered ‘catastrophic’ injuries in an attack at her home on Upholland Road, Billinge, yesterday afternoon.
A man in his 40s is in a serious condition in hospital having also been knifed. He is believed to be a heroic neighbour who intervened during the attack.
A 36-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Ms Belshaw’s stepmother, Belshaw, paid tribute to the mumof-one. She said the beautician would ‘do anything’ for her teenage daughter.
“She was lovely,” Ms Belshaw said .
“She is going to be so sadly missed. I got a phone call saying a man had gone into her house and stabbed her. I had no idea she had died until I read it on Facebook.”
Close friend Leanne Fairhurst described Ms Belshaw as ‘caring and lovely.’
“She had a good heart,” she added. “She was so outgoing and was always smiling and loved a good time. When
Lisa we used to go parties, Melissa was always the one trying make everybody laugh.”
Ms Fairhurst said she was still in shock at the news of her friend’s death. She added: “I just broke down in tears when I found out. I have lost a good friend and I am going to miss her so much.”
A scene remains in place in Upholland Road while investigation work is carried out.
A witness, who has asked not to be named, said he saw two men fighting next to the One Stop shop, near to the junction with Crank Road.
He added: “They both fell into the middle of the road. I had to swerve around them. 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.” Detective Superintendent Jamie Daniels said: “Firstly our thoughts are with the lady’s loved ones after this absolutely tragic incident. Our thoughts also remain with the man who is currently in hospital and receiving treatment. I would like to stress that at this stage we do believe this to be an isolated incident.” “I would also urge anyone with information to please get in contact.” Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident number 1981 of 20/05/20.
She had a good heart. She was so outgoing and was always smiling and loved a good time Close friend Leanne Fairhurst