A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder, after a woman was stabbed to death at a house in Bury.

Police were called to the house, in Rectory Lane near Fairfield Hospital, at 4.45pm on Tuesday, where they discovered the body of a 63-year-old woman.

She had stab wounds and was pronounced dead at the scene.

The woman has not yet been formally identified , and a police cordon round the house remained in place while further investigations were carried out.

The 64-year-old man, believed to be her ex-husband, also suffered a stab wound and was taken to hospital, where he remains in a stable condition.

A neighbour, who asked to remain anonymous, said: “It’s horrible for everyone concerned.

“He has always been such a meek and mild man and she was a lovely woman.

“I feel so sorry for the whole family, it’s just a dreadful situation."

The house, where the man had been living alone, had recently been sold and it is believed the pair had two children.

Another neighbour said: “I just saw the police parked up outside on Tuesday afternoon, but I couldn’t believe it when I heard what happened.

“You don’t expect that kind of thing to happen around here.

“There are usually no problems at all up here, apart from the odd break in.

“Life just goes along nicely, but clearly that wasn’t the case here.”

Police have confirmed a 64-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and their inquiries are ongoing.

It is understood they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the woman’s death.

Detective Chief Inspector Graham Brock from Greater Manchester Police’s Major Incident Team said: “We have a team of detectives investigating this incident and specialist officers are supporting family members as best they can at what is clearly a devastating time for them.

“We are in the early stages of our enquiries but I can say at this stage that we believe this was an isolated incident.

“Anyone with information they think may assist police is asked to call the Major Incident Team on 0161 856 8797."