A GRANDMOTHER arrested on suspicion of murder has been bailed as police investigate whether her husband died from self-inflicted injuries.

Christine Knowles, aged 66, was arrested after her husband, David, aged 73, died of a stab wound on Sunday evening.

Forensic experts were yesterday at the couple’s terrace house in Bolton Road, Farnworth, after initially being called out at about 6pm on Sunday.

Police finally left the house yesterday afternoon, nearly 48 hours after Mr Knowles died.

Mrs Knowles, a registered mental-health nurse, has now been bailed pending further inquiries A Home Office post- mortem examination has revealed Mr Knowles died from a stab wound in his abdomen.

One of the couple’s sons, Shane Knowles, expressed his condolences on social media yesterday, posting on Facebook: “RIP Dad.”

Cllr Noel Spencer, for Farnworth, who used to live in Bolton Road, said he will visit the street to offer support to residents.

He said: “It has obviously affected quite a lot of people who have lived there and knew them. I will be having a wander up Bolton Road to talk to people there and offer support.

“I really hope there is another explanation for this, for the family’s sake.”

The couple are understood to have been together for 30 years and neighbours said they have five children and at least one grandchild.

Mrs Knowles is understood to have recently retired to be a carer for her husband, who neighbours have described as “more or less house-bound”.

Mohammad Saleem, aged 38, who lives next door to the couple, said: “I’ve not seen anyone from the family here. They were just a very nice couple.”

A police spokesman said: “An investigation to establish the full circumstances leading to David’s death, including whether or not the injuries were self-inflicted, is ongoing.”

Anyone with information should call the police on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.