Neighbours of an elderly woman who was found dead in her home have said how they will miss hearing her "sing in the garden".
Merseyside Police confirmed on Sunday, November 19, that a 78 year old man has been arrested and detained under the mental health act after a woman, named locally as Esther, was found dead. The woman, who was named by friends as Esther, is believed to be in her mid-seventies.
She was known by many of the neighbours the ECHO spoke to in the local area. One woman who had known her since moving into the street around three decades ago, said she was "close friends" with Esther and said the two would "do the knitting together."
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She said: "We were all in bed [at the time it happened].
"We didn't find out until the next day. I've been here over 30 years. We watched the children grow up together."
Those living on Denver Road were shocked when a large police presence arrived on Friday (November 17) evening. One woman living opposite said she came home late on to find police on the street, and said from then on there had been a "constant police presence," with a police cordon and van still in place on Sunday evening.
Further tributes were left on The ECHO's Facebook page, with Gabriella Porta, saying: "Loved you so much Esther and will miss you. I miss hearing your voice already, your singing in the garden and our chats."
Carly Joinson said: "Such a lovely lady and neighbour always said hello when I was coming in or out. Thinking of all her family at this awful time."
Merseyside Police said a 78-year-old man from Kirkby was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has now been detained under the Mental Health Act.
An investigation has been launched and a cordon is in place while extensive forensic examinations are carried out. Detective Chief Inspector Cath Cox said: “Our thoughts are with the woman’s family during this tragic time and specialist officers are currently supporting them. An investigation is underway as we try to establish what has happened.
“Although we have made an arrest, we are still carrying out forensic examinations at the scene and will continue to review any CCTV footage in the area. If you have any information about this incident, then please get in touch with us so we can continue our enquiries.”
Anyone who has any information on this incident is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call 101 with the reference 23001154197.
You can also call the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111, or send information via their online form here.
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