A MURDER investigation has been launched in Bury after a woman was killed in a shocking attack which left her elderly mother in a critical condition.

The women, aged 52 and 80, were named locally as Maylyn and Audrey Couperthwaite.

Police have arrested a 62-year-old man on suspicion of attempted murder.

They earlier found the two women with multiple stab wounds when they were called to Maylyn's home in Woodward Close at 4.50pm on Sunday.

The stabbing is thought to be linked to a long-running feud between neighbours.

Police say they have attended several low-level neighbourly disputes in the street in recent years, most recently in September, but stressed this was an isolated incident.

Supt Rick Jackson said: “There was an incident reported at 4.50pm on Sunday in the Walmersley area of Bury.

"Police were called to a disturbance and when they have attended an address in the area, tragically, they have found two women with serious stab wounds.

“We have had a number of low level calls over the past few years, none of which have been violent in nature, and none of which would suggest they would lead to the tragic events that we saw on Sunday.

“On each occasion there have been referrals to a variety of partners who have worked with the individuals concerned to give them support.

“We have had calls previously from the victim’s address and another address in the area.

“I want to stress that this was an isolated incident. A man is under arrest and we are not looking for anyone else at this stage.

"There is an increase in officers simply to reassure the community, not because we think there is an ongoing threat. We are as sure as we can be that there is no continuing threat.”

Claire Kennedy, a resident on Woodward Close, said: “They have always seemed like a nice family to me. They kept to themselves and I don’t think they had many other relatives apart from the two of them.

“It’s really shocking. This is a quiet street, nothing ever happens here.”

Another resident Brenda Davies, aged 76, said: “I couldn’t sleep last night. I suppose it shows that you never really know who could be next door.

“It’s frightening to think that something like this can happen where you live. It’s really upsetting to think that Audrey will have to deal with this if she pulls through.

“She has seen her daughter stabbed to death. It’s a terrible thing to go through, especially at her age.”

Anyone with any information is asked to contact police on 0161 856 8181 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.