A 'beautiful' mum was found dead in her home by police and paramedics, launching a murder investigation.
Merseyside Police and the North West Ambulance Service were called to Radway Road, Huyton, close to the junction with Lyme Cross Road at around 8.30am on Wednesday, May 11, following reports of a woman's body being found. Officers and paramedics attended but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 21-year-old man, who detectives say is known to the victim, was arrested a short time later on suspicion of murder. The ECHO was told he was arrested on York Road, a short distance away, where forensics officers were also investigating this morning.
READ MORE: 'Devastation' as 'bubbly and lovely' mum found dead in her home
Emergency services remained at both Radway Road and York Road on Wednesday making door-to-door enquiries and investigating a house and a flat. Here's everything we know so far about the Huyton murder investigation;
9am - Woman's body found in home
Police rushed to Radway Road just before 9am after a call from somebody saying a woman's body was found in a home. Once officers got to the scene they found a woman in her 40s, who was pronounced dead.
Several police cars, forensics vehicles and ambulances arrived at the scene and before officers told the public why they were in attendance, neighbours told The ECHO "something devastating had happened". Others said they were "shocked" and "upset".
Forensics officers in white suits began investigating one home on the street.
Midday - Police confirm woman found dead and launch investigation
Just after midday Merseyside Police confirmed publicly a woman in her 40s was found dead in a home on Radway Road. The woman’s next of kin were informed and being supported by officers.
Detectives arrested a 21-year-old man, from Liverpool, who they say is known to the victim, on suspicion of murder. He was taken into custody to be questioned.
DI Laura Lamping said: "We can confirm that a woman in her 40s has sadly died this morning following an incident at a house in Huyton. Although an arrest has been made, we are in the very early stages of the investigation as we seek to establish what happened at the address.
"It is therefore vital that anyone with information that could assist our enquiries gets in touch. If you live in the area and witnessed the incident, or saw any suspicious behaviour this morning on Radway Road, please contact police immediately. Any information, no matter how small, may prove vital to our investigation."
1.30pm - Second police crime scene on York Road
At around 1pm The ECHO were told of a second crime scene on York Road, just a short drive away from Radway Road. Police confirmed the scenes were linked, and said they were investigating after a 21-year-old man was arrested.
Forensics officers were seen entering a block of flats. One neighbour told The ECHO "armed police" came to the block of flats around 9am.
4pm - Woman found dead named
Merseyside Police confirmed the woman found dead on Radway Road was Lorraine Cullen, a 43-year-old mum who had lived in the area for several years. Her next of kin were informed and being supported by specially trained officers.
Ms Cullen was said to have a young daughter of primary school age who lived with her in the property, as well as an adult son and an adult daughter. A neighbour told the ECHO : "She was a lovely looking girl, it is devastating, absolutely devastating. She was bubbly, I didn't know her well but she was lovely.
"I just heard the police just before nine this morning and I ran down, they were cordoning off the road. The ambulance came and they went inside but they did not take anyone out."
9pm - Tributes pour in for 'lovely mum'
Tributes to the mum poured in on social media with many saying they had fond memories of Lorraine from their childhood.
Janet McGowan said: "RIP Lorraine you were a great laugh in school so sad heartbreaking xx"
Zoey Louise Hendry said: " Such sad news rest in peace Lorraine what a lovely funny woman you were."
Anyone who witnessed the incident, or who has information which could help police with inquiries, is asked to DM @MerPolCC, message ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre on Facebook’ or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 with reference 22000322022.
