The cause of death of a woman who was found dead in a house has been revealed by police.
Police launched a murder investigation after being called to concerns for the safety of a woman in a house on Piele Road in Haydock on Wednesday, August 31. When they arrived at the scene, at 9.05am, officers found a woman had died.
Police have formally identified the woman as 49-year-old Jacqueline Forrest. The family of Ms Forrest, who is from the Haydock area, have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.
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A post mortem has revealed the cause of death as blunt force trauma to the head and manual asphyxiation by strangulation or suffocation. A man, in his 30s, was also found close to the scene with injuries. He remains in hospital as he continues to be interviewed by police.
Merseyside police confirmed a man, from St Helens, was arrested on suspicion of murder. The 43 year-old man remains in custody. Tributes described Jacqueline as a "funny" and "kind" person, who shared many "laughs" with friends.
Posting to the ECHO Facebook page, Susan Hunter said: "RIP Jaki. Shine bright like a diamond." Another, Tracy Stanley added: "RIP Jaki x thinking of her family and loved ones x."
In a tribute online, Sally Sheil said: "RIP Jaki Forrest. Shocked, devastated and heartbroken to hear tonight you’ve been taken from us. Thoughts to your lovely family. So many laughs and memories with you over the years. Raising a glass or two tonight to you. Sleep tight."
Mark Hilton replied: "She was such a character, always had a laugh when Jaks was around, a very very sad day x RIP lovely lady." While Craig Sheil said: "One of the kindest funniest people RIP."
Yugo Anyiam commented: "Bad news every other week R.I.P Jaki Forrest so sad was only speaking to you yesterday x" Julie Garner added: "Absolutely terrible news to hear! Such sadness for a life taken so young."
Floral tributes have also been left near the scene. Detective Chief Inspector Allison Woods said: “Tackling violence against women and girls remains a priority for Merseyside Police and we are urgently carrying out a number of lines of enquiry to establish what has taken place.
“The investigation is in the very early stages and while I understand that incidents of this nature are worrying to people living locally we believe those involved were known to each other and there is no threat to the wider community.
“I would appeal to anyone who was in the area of Piele Road between 8.30am and 9am this morning who saw or heard anything suspicious or has any information which could assist the investigation to contact us as a matter of urgency.”
Det Chief Inspector Woods added: “We are committed to working with our communities and partners to tackle violence against women and girls and we will continue to do all we can to identify offenders and make our streets safer.
“My message to anyone suffering abuse is please do not suffer in silence. Violence against women and girls should never be tolerated and coming forward and speaking to us means that we can take positive action against offenders.
“You are not alone and there is a lot of help available, both via Merseyside Police and our partner organisations. As a society we need to take a strong stance against violence against women and we will continue to work with our partners.
“I would also encourage neighbours and friends of those that are suffering from abuse to speak up. Trust your instincts - if something you’ve seen or heard doesn’t feel right, it probably isn’t. By knowing the signs of abuse, you could help a friend, colleague or family member. Domestic abuse isn’t just physical – it can be emotional, physical, sexual, financial or controlling behaviour.”
Anyone with information which could help the investigation is asked to DM @MerPolCC or contact @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 quoting log 234 of 31 st August. Information can also be reported via their online form: https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.
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