NEIGHBOURS have spoken of their shock after a murder investigation was launched following the discovery of a woman's body inside a house.

Police were called to an address in Hignett Avenue, Parr at around 12.50pm on Monday to reports a woman had been stabbed.

The woman, aged in her 40s, was declared dead at the scene.

A 46-year-old man from St Helens was arrested on suspicion of murder and is being questioned by police.

At this stage the incident is believed to be "domestic related", police say.

St Helens Star:

Police and forensic teams were at the property last night.

Neighbours on the estate have been left stunned.

One said:“I’ve just moved in, it’s really quiet and nothing like this normally happens.

"The police have been here a few hours. It’s awful.”

Another said: “I got home from work at 2.30pm and saw the police here. It is shocking. 

“It is usually a quiet street here and nothing like this normally happens. We all look out for each other and always have done.”

Another said: “It’s terrible. There’s been a few police vans and cars all afternoon.

"And the crime scene officers have been in and out."

A police spokesman said: "A Home Office post mortem will be carried out to establish the cause of death."

Anyone with information is asked to contact @MerPolCC, 101 quoting ref. 19100103268 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.