Floral tributes ware left outside a house after a woman was found dead.
The elderly woman, named locally as Esther, died in her house on Denver Road, Kirkby after reports she had been found unresponsive. Merseyside police attended at around 11.30pm and later confirmed a 78-year-old man from Kirkby was arrested on suspicion of murder. He has now been detained under the Mental Health Act.
Esther, who is believed to have been in her 70s, was described as a "lovely woman" who used to always "sing in the garden". One tribute read: "I am absolutely heartbroken you're gone. I miss you so much already. I will miss our little phone calls and all the laughs we had. Thank you so much for being my friend and so much more. Love and miss you so much."
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Another card said: "Sending our love and prayers to the family. Esther was a truly lovely lady, friend and neighbour." A third said: "RIP lovely lady. Thinking of all the family at this sat time."
One woman, who had known her since moving into the street around three decades ago, said she was "close friends" with Esther and said the two would "do the knitting together." She said: "We watched the children grow up together.
"We were all in bed [at the time it happened]. We didn't find out until the next day. We went to my daughter's about 10am. We didn't think it was anything as bad as it was. I've been here over 30 years. We watched the children grow up together."
Tributes were also paid on the ECHO's Facebook page, with Gabriella Porta saying: "Loved you so much Esther and will miss you. I miss hearing your voice already, your singing in the garden and our chats."
Carly Joinson said: "Such a lovely lady and neighbour always said hello when I was coming in or out. Thinking of all her family at this awful time."
An investigation was launched and a cordon was in place while extensive forensic examinations were carried out. Detective Chief Inspector Cath Cox said: “Our thoughts are with the woman’s family during this tragic time and specialist officers are currently supporting them. An investigation is underway as we try to establish what has happened.
“Although we have made an arrest, we are still carrying out forensic examinations at the scene and will continue to review any CCTV footage in the area. If you have any information about this incident, then please get in touch with us so we can continue our enquiries.”
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