A nan who was stabbed to death as she tried to 'break up a fight' between two men behind a Kirkby pub has been named locally.
The emergency services were called out to Cherryfield Drive in Kirkby at around 8.10pm on Monday following reports of a fight. At the scene in the car park, they found a woman, in her 50s, with a stab wound to her chest. She was rushed to hospital where she died a short time later.
The woman has now been named locally as Kirkby nan Karen Dempsey. A local man said that Karen died after she tried to break up a fight between two men in a service road behind the Brambles pub.
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He said: "The men were asked to leave the Brambles pub because they were arguing. They both went behind the pub and had a fight. Karen went out and tried to break up the fight, when she was stabbed."
The man said that Karen was a 'lovely person' who used to work at the Brambles pub. He said Karen was a Liverpool FC fan who had come into the pub last night to watch the Manchester United game. He said: "She was devoted to her grandchildren."
Tributes to Karen have appeared on social media. One read: "I am so sad to hear the news today of such a lovely woman taken away from us too soon, R.I.P."
Officers said the woman’s family have been informed. A man, in his 30s, also suffered puncture wounds to his arm and body. He was taken to hospital to be treated for his injuries.
Detectives have arrested a 32-year-old man on suspicion of murder, after he handed himself in. A second man, 38, was detained close to the scene on suspicion of s18 and affray.
An investigation is underway and CCTV, witness and forensic enquiries have been carried out. The scene has been held for a search this morning.
Detective Inspector Laura Lamping said: "We are currently in the very early stages of an investigation as we seek to establish what has taken place. We believe there was an altercation which started inside the premises and carried on outside.
"Sadly a woman suffered a stab wound which proved to be fatal. We currently have two people in custody but out enquiries remain ongoing.
"I would ask anyone who was in the vicinity of Cherryfield Drive who saw or heard anything or has any information which could assist the investigation to contact us as a matter of urgency. Information can be passed via DM @MerPolCC or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting log 947 of 22 nd August."
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