Residents on a quiet estate in Dukinfield have spoken of their horror after learning a murder investigation has been launched just feet away from their homes. Detectives are investigating the death of a woman, who sustained life-threatening injuries at a house on Winchester Road, but tragically died in hospital a short time later.
Police had been called shortly after 9am to a report of a 'serious assault' at the property. Within minutes, witnesses have told of how emergency services swarmed the street, with paramedics and police arriving on blue lights. Amid the commotion, a 49-year-old woman was taken to hospital after being seriously injured, but has since died.
A murder investigation has now been launched, with forensics and a heavy police presence remaining at the property conducting enquiries throughout Sunday (November 6). A 48-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody for questioning.
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It was the noise of ambulances racing to the scene that alerted the attention of locals. The sight of police and forensics filling this otherwise quiet road is something rarely seen, and difficult for those living there to comprehend.
One Winchester Road resident, who has lived in the area for more than two decades, told the Manchester Evening News of her concern upon spotting a number of officers at the property on Sunday morning.
"I usually go out and get my paper in the morning on a Sunday. I knew something was happening because I heard the helicopter. I looked out and saw the police vans and an ambulance outside the house, so knew it had to be serious," she said.
"It's so quiet around here. It is mainly retired people, and everyone knows everyone. We don't have any problems at all, the worst thing is we may get someone speeding down the road revving their engines. That's it.
"You just can't believe something like this can happen right on your own doorstep. It is shocking. We don't really know the people that lived there, they kept themselves to themselves and haven't lived here for long."
Crime scene investigators remained at the scene throughout Sunday and into the evening. Residents told of how an air ambulance also landed nearby or how they were woken by the sirens.
Another homeowner, also of Winchester Road, said: "I don't know the people who live there, I wouldn't even know them if I passed them in the street. The police woke me up this morning when I heard all of the sirens going off and looked out the window and saw what was happening.
"I had wondered what had gone on and was just totally shocked when I found out the news. Something like that, this close to home?"
As another added: "I was sat watching the TV this morning, it was at about 9am. Then I heard the helicopter, and at first I just assumed it was the police out looking for someone they were trying to track down.
"It was only when I opened the curtains and saw all the police outside that I realised it must've been about what was going on across the road. We didn't hear or see a thing."
The family of the deceased 49-year-old woman are being supported by specialist officers as the investigation continues. Police acknowledged how the incident would send ripples through the local community, and vowed to increase patrols in the area to reassure those living nearby.
The scene remained in place into Sunday evening, with forensics taking pictures of the property as they continued to make enquiries. Anyone with any information about the incident is being urged to contact Greater Manchester Police.
Detective Superintendent Chris Bridge Head of Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team (MIT) said: "Firstly, my thoughts are with the family and friends of the victim. GMP’s specialist officers are in contact with the family and are supporting them through this difficult time. I can confirm this is believed to be an isolated incident and there is no threat to the wider Tameside community. This is a tragic event, and we are working with the victim’s family and members of the public to establish the circumstances of this horrific incident.
"I understand this news will come as a great shock to those in the Dukinfield community. You will see an increased presence of our local officers, who will be patrolling the local area and providing reassurance to the community. I would urge anyone with information or concerns to speak to those officers who are on hand to help and support you."
Anyone with information should contact police via www.gmp.police.uk or 101 quoting 939 of 06/11/22. Information can be shared anonymously via the independent charity - Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.
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