A woman "knew it was serious" after seeing a number of forensic officers arrive at a block of flats.
Merseyside Police launched a murder investigation following the death of a man in Bootle in the early hours of this morning, Friday, March 24. Officers were called to Balliol Road to reports of a disturbance at around 12.50am. A man in his 30s was taken to hospital but later died.
A post-mortem examination will be taking place later today to determine the cause of death. A 38-year-old Bootle woman was arrested on suspicion of his murder and has been taken into custody for questioning as enquiries continue.
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A large police cordon remained in place on Balliol Road around the block of flats opposite South Park. The cordon also covered a section of the pavement running alongside the busy dual carriageway and the front entrance to a house to the right of the flats.
A woman who lives on Balliol Road told the ECHO the first she heard of the incident was when she saw the extensive police response this morning. The woman, who did not want to be named, said: "I looked out the window at 7am and saw a police car parked outside so was worried it might be my neighbours.
"But then I saw they had blocked off the pavement right down to the post box and police officers were going in and out of the flats. I looked out an hour later and two or three officers were putting on their forensic suits. When you see that you know it's something serious."
She added: "We never hear much around here - we're off the road and have double glazing. You'd expect to hear some sort of noise given what happened but we heard nothing."
A number of forensic officers meticulously worked at the block of flats throughout the morning. Officers in white forensic suits were spotted in a downstairs flat while another two took swabs and photos outside the window close to the front entrance.
Residents in the block of flats remained inside their homes with their curtains tightly drawn. The only exception was a solitary home on the first floor where children's games and soft toys were spotted on the window ledge.
People out walking in South Park - including young mums with pushchairs and pensioners with their dogs - paused to watch the police activity. Detectives and uniformed officers were also spotted carrying out door-to-door enquiries on houses in the local area.
Merseyside Police confirmed detectives had launched an investigation into the alleged murder. Detective Chief Inspector Sue Hinds said officers were keen to speak to anyone in the local area who may have heard or seen the disturbance. Anyone with CCTV, dash-cam or doorbell footage is asked to contact police.
DCI Hinds added: "Initially this appears to be a domestic incident, but it is vital that we keep an open mind as to the exact circumstances. Specialist officers will be supporting the man's family, and you will see officers in the area today to gather information."
You can pass any information to @MerPolCC or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 with reference 23000248391.
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