THREE people have been arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender following the murder of a 29-year-old woman, named today by police as Samantha Gosney.

Officers were called to an address on Swan Avenue, St Helens, at 11.40am to a report of an assault at the address.

When officers arrived they found that a 29-year-old woman at the address had suffered multiple stab wounds. She died at the scene a short time later.

The victim has been formally identified as Samantha Gosney from Warrington.

A Home Office post mortem has taken place and the cause of death recorded as multiple stab wounds.

A 43-year-old woman from Warrington, a 45-year-old man from Warrington and a 67-year-old woman from St Helens were arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender and have been released on conditional bail.

Detectives believe 23-year-old Adam Brettle from Warrington may have vital information that could assist their enquiries and are asking him to come forward immediately.

Detective Chief Inspector John Williams said: "We share the community’s shock and concern that this incident has happened, and will leave no stone unturned in our efforts to locate the person responsible and bring them to justice. Anyone suspected of assisting that person can also expect the police at their door.

"I would like to reassure the local community that incidents like this are extremely rare and ask anyone with information about the incident to come forward.

"We have high visibility officers in the area and they will continue to patrol the streets around St Helens over the coming days to assist with the investigation and to reassure the community."

DCI Williams added: "We remain very keen to speak to Adam Brettle as soon as possible, and appeal to him or anyone who knows where he is to contact police.

"I would advise the public not to approach Brettle directly if you see him, but to call police on 999 immediately so that we can take the necessary action."

An extensive and thorough investigation is being carried out by the force’s Major Crime Unit and anyone with information on the incident is asked to direct message the Merseyside Police social media desk via Twitter @MerPolCC or Facebook Merseyside Police CC.

You can also call 101 quoting incident reference 18400045065 or contact the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously, on 0800 555111 or via their online form at: crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/