Neighbours' shock following death of 'lovely' woman as boy arrested on suspicion of murder

Neighbours in Warrington have spoken of their shock following the death of a 'lovely' woman outside her home.

Police launched a murder probe after the 48-year-old woman died at the scene on Phoenix Place yesterday morning (Tuesday). Officers were called at around 9.40am to reports of a 'domestic incident'.

A 17-year-old boy was arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody.

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Neighbours expressed their disbelief after emergency services flooded the quiet cul-de-sac and erected a forensic tent on the street. They described the woman who died as 'lovely'.

One woman who lives nearby said: "We were out and at work, the first we heard was - we had a hundred messages saying 'are you okay, is it your cul-de-sac?' It's usually really quiet, I didn't believe it was ours [estate where the incident happened] to be honest.

"They were always lovely, I didn't know her that well but she was lovely."

One man who lives in the cul-de-sac said: "I didn't hear anything, I fell asleep in the living room and was woken up by police knocking on my door at 9.45am.

"My neighbour said people went out to help her. It's a lovely estate. I don't know why this has happened."

A man living just a number of houses away said: "I couldn't believe it when I first saw what happened. It's awful especially on your doorstep."

Detective Superintendent Jon Betts, of Warrington Local Policing Unit, said yesterday: "I would like to reassure residents that this is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no risk to the wider community. A 17-year-old boy has been arrested and he is being held in police custody.

"There is currently an increased police