A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman was stabbed to death in Tameside. Detectives launched a manhunt after the 51-year-old victim was killed in Droylsden on Friday afternoon.
The 28-year-old suspect was arrested last night and remains in custody for questioning. Chief Supt Phil Davies said: "Our officers have been working around the clock to identify and arrest the person responsible.
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"We have a man in custody however this is still the early stages of the investigation after a woman’s life was tragically taken and we are in the process of piecing together the full circumstances and are keeping an open mind. Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the victim as well as with the community who have been deeply affected by this incident.
"I understand the nature of the incident will cause concern in our communities, not just in Tameside, but across Greater Manchester. As a result, there will be a visible increase of police officers in the area over the coming days and anyone with concerns is encouraged to speak to them.
"We are determined to find answers and bring the person responsible to justice. I appeal to anyone who saw or heard anything to come forwards and if you have any information that could assist our investigation – no matter how small it may seem - please share it with the police."
Police remain at the scene on Edge Lane, close to the Ashton Canal, this morning (Saturday) as the investigation continues. Yesterday a forensics tent was seen near to the towpath entrance, with several crime scene investigators gathering evidence and police searching along the canal.
Police initially mistakenly gave the victim's age as 44.
A neighbour on Wheler Street described hearing 'screams' as the attack unfolded, while one resident described seeing 'blood everywhere' following the alleged murder. They added: "It's terrible.
"You can’t comprehend it. So sad."
Another neighbour saw the aftermath of the stabbing as she pulled up outside her Wheeler Street home. She said: "I had just got out of the car, I could see all these cars on the side and wondered if there had been a crash or something.
"Then all the police came. I saw the police officer going like that [performing chest compressions] where the tent is now... doing CPR.
"It just makes you feel sick, really. It's on your doorstep. [Police] were looking in the water, there was an ambulance, we saw the police helicopter flying round."
Anyone with information, CCTV or video footage of the alleged murder or who witnessed any suspicious behaviour in the area at around noon on Friday is asked to contact GMP by calling 101 or www.gmp.police.uk quoting log 1353 of June 2.
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