Bury murder: Man arrested after elderly woman knifed in 'shocking' double stabbing at Woodward Close

Police in Bury have arrested a man on suspicion of murder after a 52-year-old woman was killed and an 80-year-old woman was left fighting for her life in a "shocking" double stabbing on Sunday (7 February).

Officers were called to Woodward Close in the town shortly before 4:55pm on reports that two women had been stabbed. They found a 52-year-old and an 80-year-old woman with life- threatening stab wounds. Both women were taken to hospital, where the pensioner remains in a critical condition.

A 62-year-old man was arrested nearby a short time later on suspicion of attempted murder and remains in custody for questioning. Detective Superintendent Sara Wallwork of Greater Manchester Police's Serious Crime Division said: "One of the victims of this shocking incident has now sadly died and we have launched a full murder investigation.

"I know an incident like this can cause a lot of shock within the community, but I would like to assure everybody that we have a dedicated team of detectives currently working to investigate the circumstances leading up to the stabbing.

"The other victim is currently in hospital undergoing surgery and she remains in a life-threatening condition. My thoughts and deepest sympathies remain with these ladies and their loved ones as we investigate what has happened.

"We have made an arrest and currently have a man in custody, but our investigation continues and I would like to urge anybody with information to please contact police." Anybody with information should contact police on 0161 856 8181 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.