Mum ‘stabbed to death in front of daughter’ at home
A man in his 40s, understood to be a neighbour who intervened, remains in hospital in a serious condition.
A woman has been stabbed to death in her home in Wigan.
Melissa Belshaw, 32, was knifed in Upholland Road, Billinge, on Wednesday afternoon.
It is understood her 13-year-old daughter was with her when she was knifed.
Andrew Wadsworth, 36, from Wigan, has been charged with murder, attempted murder, threats to kill, possession of a bladed article and two counts of assaulting police officers.
A man in his 40s, understood to be a neighbour who intervened, remains in hospital in a serious condition.
Police praised the neighbour and a second man who also got involved to help Ms Belshaw’s daughter.
After Ms Belshaw’s daughter dialled 999, officers arrived at the scene and arrested the suspect.
Police say the attacker was known to the victim, who worked as a beautician, and they believed the incident to be ‘isolated’.
Ms Belshaw’s stepmother, Lisa Belshaw, paid tribute to her, telling Manchester Evening News: “She was lovely. She is going to be so sadly missed.”
Det Sup Jamie Daniels added: “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.
He said: ‘I would also urge anyone with information to please get in contact with us as even the smallest detail could progress our investigation significantly.”
Wadsworth remains in custody and appeared before Wigan Magistrates Court this morning.
He is also due to appear at Manchester Crown Court Crown Square on May 26.
Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is urged to visit the Major Incident Public Portal.
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