A MAN from St Helens has been charged with the murder of a woman at a Southport travel agents.

Andrew Burke, 30, of Vincent Steet, St Helens will appear in court tomorrow charged with murdering 28-year-old Cassie Hayes.

Officers were contacted at 1.25pm yesterday following reports that Cassie had been injured at a Tui travel agents on Chapel Street in Southport. 

She was taken to hospital where she subsequently died from her injuries.

A post mortem examination has revealed that Cassie died from a wound to the throat.

Burke will appear before South Sefton Magistrates' Court tomorrow.

It is believed that the incident was domestic-related.

Friends have been paying tribute to Cassie.

One former colleague wrote on Facebook: “Such sad news about Cassie, worked with her a few times when I was working for Tui and she was such a lovely person. Thoughts are with all my friends at Tui, Tui Southport and her family and friends. RIP Cassie xxx”

Another said: “So shocked to here the sad news about Cassie. Iv not worked for Tui for a while but the time I did and worked with Cassie she was such a lovely girl. RIP Cassie. Thinking of all the Southport girls and Cassie’s family”

A fundraising page has already raised more than £4,000.

Fellow travel agent Bruce Martin who set up the Go Fund Me appeal, said: “Everyone who works in travel has been deeply upset about what has happened to a fellow travel colleague, Cassie Hayes, in Southport on Saturday 13th January.

“Cassie was the assistant manager at the TUI store and was well-known to many in travel. Many of us never met Cassie but we know that if we did, we would have thought she was great. We know, because we are travel.

“We understand that Cassie had a daughter and so on behalf of everyone in travel I would like to propose that we come together and contribute to fund to help Cassie's family as they see fit.

“Our thoughts go out to everyone affected by this terrible incident, including all the TUI staff.”

A Tui spokesman said: “We send our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of the staff member involved.

“We’re doing everything possible to assist the local police with their investigation and support our customers and staff at this difficult time.”

Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to contact Merseyside Police on 101 quoting log 470 of 13th January or the Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555 111.