Heartbroken friends of a young mum stabbed to death in her home have described her as a "beautiful girl".
Tributes have begun pouring in on social media to the victim who was attacked in her home in Billinge on Wednesday afternoon.
The woman in her 30s reportedly suffered " catastrophic injuries " during the stabbing which left a neighbour injured when he tried to save her.
A man was arrested on suspicion of murder and attempted murder after the incident that saw a man in his 40s rushed to hospital with serious stab wounds.
Reacting to the tragic killing friends began posting about the woman, named on social media as Melissa Belshaw, in a number of Facebook tributes.
Speaking about the 32-year-old, one woman said: "Just awful news my heart's actually broken.
"Grew up with you. That close we always said we were cousins.
"Such a beautiful beautiful girl taken far to soon.
"RIP Melissa Belshaw."
Another added: "RIP Melissa belshaw such a beautiful girl with a heart of gold absolutely heartbroken"
Greater Manchester Police confirmed they had launched a murder investigation shortly after they cordoned off the scene on Upholland Road.
Officers also stated that a man had been rushed to hospital following Melissa's killing for treatment to a number of serious stab wounds.
In a statement, the force said: "A woman has been murdered and a man is in hospital after a stabbing.
"Shortly before 4.10pm this afternoon (Wednesday 20 May 2020), police were called to Upholland Road to reports of a stabbing.
"A woman believed to be in her 30s was stabbed inside a property and suffered catastrophic injuries.
"Despite best efforts by paramedics the woman very sadly passed away at the scene.
"Enquiries are in there very early stages but it is believed that a man in his 40s who attempted to intervene has also been stabbed.
"He is in a serious condition in hospital."
Witnesses also reported seeing two men fighting in the street before officers arrived.
The woman, who did not want to be named, told the ECHO : "They were struggling in the road outside the shop and fell onto the floor.
"One of the men had a knife and the other man was bleeding quite badly before police arrived."
A 36-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and attempted murder. He remains in custody for questioning.
A scene remains in place whilst investigation work is carried out.
Detective Superintendent Jamie Daniels 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.
