Man charged with murder of Melissa Belshaw from St Helens

A 36-year-old man has been charged with the murder of a beautician.

Melissa Belshaw, 32, was attacked at her home in Billinge, St Helens, on Wednesday and was pronounced dead at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics.

Andrew Wadsworth, of Cranfield Road, Wigan, is due to appear at Manchester Magistrates' Court on Friday.

He is also accused of attempted murder, threats to kill, threatening a person with a knife and assaulting two police officers.

On Thursday, Greater Manchester Police said two men tried to stop the attack in Upholland Road. One of the men, aged in his 40s, was taken to hospital after being stabbed and is in a stable condition.

The victim's 13-year-old daughter rang the emergency services to raise the alarm.

Superintendent Chris Bridge praised the "extreme bravery" of the two members of the public who intervened.

It is understood the defendant and Ms Belshaw, who has not yet been formally identified by police, were known to each other.

Mr Bridge said he wanted to reassure the community it was an isolated incident and there was no wider threat.