Horrified neighbours fear two children may have been inside a house where a woman was tragically found dead.
Emergency services were called to the home on Custley Hey, in Stockbridge Village , on New Year’s Day after reports of concern for the safety of someone who lived there.
When police officers arrived at the home the body of a 46-year-old woman was found.
A short time later a 48-year-old man, from the area, was arrested on suspicion of murder.
After hearing about the tragic death, neighbours expressed their shock with some paying tribute to the “devoted mum” - who they believe to be the deceased woman.
One neighbour told the ECHO: “As far as I know she had two kids who you always saw her with.
“I didn’t know her personally but she seemed a nice lady, devoted mum, but they kept to themselves, most people around here do.
“I saw the police when they arrived, they were inside for a bit and then the kids were brought out a while later my friend said.
“It’s really shocking, when you see the police you never think that’ll be why they’re here."
Another resident in the area said: “It’s absolutely heartbreaking to think the kids may have been there.
“You never think about what’s happening inside someone else’s home which is why so many people are so shocked.
“It’s nice around here, young families mostly so you never think anything this bad is going to happen.
"I hope it’s all a mistake.”
A police cordon was erected at the scene shortly after the woman’s body was found.
Multiple detectives and forensic officers could also been seen in the area after an investigation was launched into the woman’s death.
Pictures taken outside the house showed three forensic support vans parked on Custley Hey well into the evening.
As officers continued to work at the family, a spokesperson for Merseyside Police confirmed that a Post Mortem would be carried out to establish the woman’s cause of death which is now being treated as “unexplained”.
In a statement the force said: “ We can confirm that detectives are investigating the unexplained death of a 46-year-old woman at a house in Stockbridge Village.
“Officers attended at the address following a report of concern for safety of one of the occupants at the address on Custley Hey.
“When officers attended they found the body of the woman.
“The deceased's family have been informed and Family Liaison Officers are providing them with specialist support.
“A Home Office post mortem will be carried out to establish the cause of death.
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“A 48-year-old man from Stockbridge Village has been arrested on suspicion of murder and has been taken to a police station where he will be questioned by detectives.
“In the meantime, officers are carrying out house-to-house inquiries in the area and anyone with information is asked to DM @MerpolCC, or call 101 quoting reference 712 of 1 January 2020.”
Dozens of people have also paid tribute to the woman on social media after hearing about the death.
Lyndsey Harris said: “RIP to the woman and condolences to the children."
Nicola Marsh also said: “So sad, that poor family x”
