Woman arrested in Helmshore murder investigation

Police investigating the murder of a 60-year-old woman in Helmshore, Rossendale, say a 34-year-old woman from Chester has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

The victim, who has not yet been formally identified but is believed to be Sadie Hartley, was found with a number of knife wounds at her home on Sunny Bank Road late on Friday evening, January 15.

A post-mortem examination confirmed the cause of death as multiple stab wounds.

A 34-year-woman remains in police custody.

Police have identified a vehicle and a number of people they would like to trace.

Sadie Hartley is last known to have made contact with a work colleague on Thursday evening, January 14. She had not been heard from since.

CCTV footage reportedly shows a Renault Clio driving into Sunny Bank Road and leaving around a minute later. It also shows a man walking out of the cul-de-sac towards the village store and Holcombe Road where he passed another person who was walking in the opposite direction. The footage also shows a jogger running into the cul-de-sac just moments later.

Detectives believe these people may have vital information about the incident.

Police patrols and house-to-house enquiries will continue in the local area as well as searches of the area around the house. Forensic examinations are continuing in the house.