Detectives are today quizzing the boyfriend of a young Salford mum who was stabbed to death as she prepared to celebrate her son’s christening.
Mother -of-one Becky Ayres, 24, was found dead with multiple knife wounds at her home by police after a worried relative knocked at the house and spotted a suspect fleeing the scene.
Officers later arrested Liam King, 25, who has been Morris dancer Becky’s boyfriend for 18 months.
Today it emerged blonde haired office clerk Becky, from Salford, was about to end her relationship with King after the christening of her three year old son Riley this Sunday.
The couple had been in the same year at high school but did not begin dating until September 2012 and later they moved into a rented house together last November. Riley was Becky’s son from a previous relationship with a soldier.
It is believed Becky’s romance with King began to crumble following a series of rows due to them living together.
The tragedy occurred on Thursday while the toddler was on a sleepover with relatives.
Neighbours reported hearing screams and shouts coming from the house in the run up to the grim discovery.
Today Greater Manchester Police said the suspect remained in custody for questioning after being arrested on suspicion of murder.
Chief Supt Mary Doyle said: “A woman has been killed and our thoughts are with her family and friends at what is obviously a totally devastating time for them.
“I would like to reassure residents that we do not believe there is any danger to the community, we believe this is an isolated incident and are not looking for anyone else in connection with her death.
“We have a team of highly skilled detectives already working on this case but if anyone has any information they think can assist please call us.”
Becky had worked for a life assurance company and was said by friends to be a ‘lovely, bubbly girl and a devoted mum’.
She was a member of The Monaco Morris Dancing troupe which performed at seaside holiday camps and other venues.
One friend said: “It’s such a tragedy, Becky was a devoted mother to Riley and a lovely friends. We were all heartbroken. Riley was due to be Christened on Sunday but we heard Becky had been unhappy in her relationship with Liam.
”He doted on the little the boy but things weren’t working out between Liam and Becky. It’s possible that the fact they were living together meant they were getting under each other’s feet.
”We believe she wanted out and was planning to end their relationship after the Christening. Everyone’s devastated – the real tragedy is her little boy who will now be without his mother.”
Police said officers were called at about 9.15am on Thursday to her £60,000 terraced home after reports of a ‘concern for welfare’.
Reports said a male relative raised the alarm after calling at the property only to get no response.
He checked round the back of the house and saw a man fleeing the address and realised something was wrong.
Forensics officers have searched of the alleyway behind the house. Friends have now begun a campaign to raise £2,000 to help the family.
On social media Lisa Buller said: ”Shocked and disgusted to hear the news about #beckyayres A lovely girl, a wasted life. Sad, sad news xxxx.”
Lucy Reid said: ”Rip Becky ayres, taken too soon. thinking of all your family and Monaco Morris dancing, you will be truly missed in the dancing world.”
Ravelle said: So so so sad about Becky Ayres always a smiley girl and a true Morris dancer taken far too soon! RIP xxxx.”
Danielle M said: ”R.I.P To Becky Ayres, another young mum lost. Heartbreaking for her young son.”
Image courtesy of Google Maps with inset via Facebook, with thanks.
