A mum-of-two was found brutally murdered in her Salford home on Saturday evening and now police are hunting for the woman’s former boyfriend – who has previouisly been accused of raping her.
Linzi Ashton, 25, was found in her home in Salford after police were called to the house at around 6pm.
She was found with serious injuries to her head and face though police today announced that a post mortem showed she had died from ‘pressure to the neck and multiple injuries’.
Police had previously been called to the house after Ms Ashton accused her ex-partner of severe sexual offences.
Detectives investigating the death are now urging her ex-boyfriend Michael Cope to come forward.
Chief Superintendent Kevin Milligan said: “Linzi was beaten to death in a brutal and sustained attack and we are continuing to focus our efforts on locating Michael Cope.
“We believe he is a dangerous and unstable individual and should not be approached.
“I am appealing for anyone who knows where he is hiding to do the right thing and call police.”
Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Shenton, head of Greater Manchester Police’s Serious Crime Division, added that the arrest of Mr Cope is now their focus and that it is ‘absolutely vital’ anyone with information should come forward.
Mr Cope has links to the local area and police believe he is most likely still somewhere in Salford.
Detective Chief Superintendent Shenton said: “His family also know we are looking for him in connection with Linzi’s Murder.
“I also want to send out a clear message that anyone found harbouring or assisting him can expect to land themselves in very deep trouble, if they do not get in touch with us.”
The couple are believed to have been out together on Friday night and in the early hours of Saturday morning.
Chief Superintendent Milligan said: “If you were out and saw them together at any point Friday night or Saturday it is vitally important you call the police.”
It is thought Ms Ashton was last seen alive by a friend in the Eccles area around 2pm on Saturday.
Ms Ashton, who worked as a barmaid leaves behind her daughters Destiny, aged seven, and Daisy aged two.
In a police statement, Detective Chief Superintendent Shenton said: “Linzi was an extremely popular young woman, whose loss will be keenly felt by many, none more so than her two young children.
“Not only will they have to grow up without their mother, they will do so knowing she was taken from them in the most appalling way.”
The area around Ms Ashton’s house on Westbourne Road remains cordoned off as forensic crime scene investigators examine the property.
There will be extra officers patrolling the area around Westbourne Road and anyone with any information or worries is encouraged to speak with them.
Anyone with any information is asked to call police on 101 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.
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