Cops arrest man after mum “strangled to death” and found in pool of blood next to her “screaming” baby
The suspect, who is known to the 33-year-old victim, is being quizzed on suspicion after the grim discovery in Burnley, Lancs
A MAN was questioned on suspicion of murder after a mum was "strangled to death" and discovered in a pool of blood near her "screaming" seven-month-old baby.
"Fantastic mummy " Nicola Haworth, 33 was found inside the property in Wilton Street, in Burnley, Lancs, at 9.30am on Friday morning.
Lancashire Police confirmed they were called to the house after concerns were expressed about the safety of the "caring and loving" mother.
The baby, understood to be her daughter, was also discovered at the address and taken to safety unharmed.
On Saturday, a 34-year-old man "known to the victim", detained earlier on Friday for being in possession of a knife, was being questioned on suspicion of murder.
A post-mortem examination has established Ms Haworth's cause of death as asphyxiation, cops said.
Her heartbroken brother Robert Haworth released a statement through police after his sister's death.
He said: "My sister was a beautiful woman who was a caring, loving, remarkable person.
"She was a fantastic mummy, sister and aunty. Life will never be the same for me or my beautiful niece.
"We will always remember you Nicola Joanne. You are now back with Mum and Dad and always know I loved you. Rob."
A police spokeswoman said: "We have launched a murder investigation following the death of a woman in Burnley.
"At around 9am on Friday, July 22 a man was stopped in Holmby Street after he was seen acting suspiciously.
"He was arrested on suspicion of possession of a knife and taken to custody.
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"Shortly after 9.30am officers attended an address in Wilton Street to check on the safety of a woman.
"A 33-year-old woman was found inside the address and was sadly pronounced deceased at the scene.
"A seven-month-old baby girl was also found at the address unharmed and has been taken to a place of safety."
Officers confirmed that a 34-year-old man, also from Burnley, who was already in custody for possession of the deadly blade, was subsequently re-arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody.
The force added: "Formal identification is yet to take place and a post mortem examination will take place in due course to try to establish the exact cause of death.
"Enquiries are on-going and a crime scene is currently in place at the address in Wilton Street and in Holmby Street where the man was stopped."
It is understood the man and Nicola Haworth were known to each other.
Detective Inpector Andy Cribbin, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: "This is a tragic incident involving the death of a woman and we are in the very early stages of a murder inquiry.
"At this stage we believe it to be an isolated incident and currently have one man under arrest.
"Our enquiries remain on-going and I would urge anyone who may have any information that could assist with our investigation to contact us as soon as possible."