TRIBUTES have been paid to a woman who died after a double stabbing in Bury on Sunday.

Maylyn Couperthwaite, aged 52, was found with multiple stab wounds at her home in Woodward Close.

She was next to her 80-year-old mother Audrey, who remains in hospital in a critical but stable condition, when police arrived at the scene shortly before 5pm.

Paying tribute to her, Maylyn’s sister Lucy Walton said: "Words can’t describe how devastated I am by what has happened. I love them both so very much."

Oliver Faughey, aged 62, of Woodward Close, has been charged with murder and attempted murder. He is due to appear at Manchester Crown Court tomorrow.

Fellow residents in the street and adjacent Wooded Close, where Audrey lives, said they were a "nice family" and that they had fond memories of them walking their dogs around the area.

Leonard Davies, of Woodward Close, said: "Audrey and Maylyn are nice ladies. I would often speak to Audrey and I admire her a lot. She has her health problems and walks with a frame but she is always taking her little dog out for a walk.

"She went up to her daughter’s all the time, and I think she liked to make sure she was okay. I have a lot of respect for her."

A spokesman for Six Town Housing, who manage the estate, said: "Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with the family at this difficult and sad time and with those living in the local community, who will be shocked and upset about what has happened.

"The safety of the people who live on and visit our neighbourhoods is very important to us. The police are currently carrying out reassurance visits to local residents and we will be led by them with regard anything else we need to put in place for the community."

Another neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, added: "It's really awful to think that something like this could happen here. It's a nice, quiet area where everyone usually gets along. I was completely shocked when I heard about Maylyn and her mother, they have always been very kind to me."