A hero neighbour who tried to save the life of a young mum-of-one who was stabbed to death remains stable in hospital with knife wounds.
Melissa Belshaw was brutally killed yesterday afternoon after nearby residents saw a man hammering on her front door using a golf club.
The 32-year-old beautician suffered "catastrophic" injures, police have said, following the attack in St Helens on Wednesday.
Today, detectives confirmed the condition of a man, in his 40s, who tried to intervene and halt the horrendous attack, was not as bad as first feared by locals.
The Good Samaritan is seriously hurt with numerous stab wounds himself, but police this afternoon described his condition as "stable."
The stabbing, on Upholland Road, in the village of Billinge, happened while Ms Belshaw's teenage daughter was present.
Residents have told how she sobbed and pleaded for her mum to stay alive as she lay seriously stabbed on the floor.
Flowers left at the scene this morning referenced how Ms Belshaw's daughter had been left mentally scarred by witnessing the tragedy.
The tribute read: "Why?
"You would have been so proud of your little girl for being so brave.
"...forever in my thoughts."
Ms Belshaw, who was preparing to open a beauty salon, died at the scene.
Her friends and family have described her as "caring and lovely."
Heartbreaking reports from the scene told how the 32-year-old's daughter was seen running about the street in grief in the immediate aftermath.
A man, aged 36, arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder, was overpowered by police in the street.
Tributes have flooded in for Ms Belshaw, with friend Kimberley Phillips saying that it was a 'sad day'.
The pal said: "Melissa 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 all absolutely heartbroken now have to live with this loss forever. She's gone now, gone. Pained, heartbroken, gone forever. Horrific circumstances.
"Poor Melissa. Never to be seen again.
"Some vile heartless excuse of a human being has taken her life.
"How? Why? What? Where? When? Many will ask, but do you really truly care? Because if you don't why are you asking?
"The heartache now that will be suffered now is real, that does matter."
Melissa's stepmother, Lisa Belshaw, also paid tribute.
She said the beautician would do "anything" for her teenage daughter.
Paying tribute, she said: "She was lovely. 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."
Another friend, Leanne Fairhurst, said Melissa was "caring and lovely."
She said: "She had a good heart. She was so outgoing and was always smiling and loved a good time. When we used to go parties, Melissa was always the one trying make everybody laugh.
"Someone told me what had happened and I did not believe it so I rang her, but her phone was off.
"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."
Detective Superintendent Jamie Daniels, of Greater Manchester Police, said: “Firstly our thoughts are with the lady’s loved ones after this absolutely tragic incident.
"We will offer them full support and do all that we can to provide them with much deserved answers.
"Our thoughts also remain with the man who is currently in hospital and receiving treatment.
"Our specially trained officers will continue to support his family at this difficult time.
“Clearly this investigation is in its very early stages and we are working to ensure that we follow every line of enquiry.
"We understand that this news will likely cause concern among the local community but I would like to stress that at this stage we do believe this to be an isolated incident.
“There will be a higher police presence in the area and I would encourage anyone with any concerns to please speak to these officers who are there to offer support and help.
"I would also urge anyone with information to please get in contact with us as even the smallest detail could progress our investigation significantly.”
Anyone with information should call 101 quoting incident number 1981 of 20/05/20.
Reports can also be made to the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111.
