‘Devastation’ as ‘bubbly and lovely’ mum found dead at home

A “charming and bubbly” mother was murdered at her home in Huyton this morning, sparking a manhunt.

Merseyside Police received calls at around 8.30am that a woman’s body had been found inside a property on Radway Road, Huyton, near the junction with Lyme Cross Road. Officers and paramedics attended, but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim was named locally as Lorraine Cullen, a 43-year-old mother who had lived in the area for several years. Merseyside Police confirmed her identity, said her closest relatives had been informed and were being supported by specially trained officers.

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A 21-year-old man, who detectives say is an acquaintance of the victim, was arrested a short time later on suspicion of murder. ECHO was told that he was arrested on York Road, a short distance away, where coroner’s officers were also investigating this morning.

Ms. Cullen was said to have a young daughter of elementary school age who lived with her on the property, as well as an adult son and an adult daughter.

One woman, who lived near the scene, told ECHO: “It was just after all the kids were going to school. The police came and there were some people gathered outside. I heard she was dead.”

“The ambulances arrived but they didn’t put anyone inside. I didn’t know her well but she was a lovely person. She went when the little girl was playing in the garden and talked to her. the trampoline last night.

Forensic investigators in white protective suits could be seen coming and going from the property this morning as detectives conducted door-to-door investigations. Another neighbor told ECHO, “She was a lovely girl, she’s devastating, absolutely devastating. She was bubbly, I didn’t know her well, but she was lovely.”

“I just heard the police shortly before nine in the morning and I ran downstairs, they were cordoning off the road. The ambulance came and they went in but they didn’t get anyone out.”

Detective Inspector Laura Lamping said: “We can confirm that a woman in her 40s has sadly died this morning following an incident at a house in Huyton. Although an arrest has been made, we are in the early stages of the investigation as we seek to establish what happened at the address.

“It is therefore vital that anyone with information that could help our investigations get in touch. If you live in the area and witnessed the incident, or saw any suspicious behavior this morning on Radway Road, please contact Radway Police.” Any piece of information, no matter how small, can prove vital to our investigation.

Anyone who witnessed the incident, or has information that could help us with our queries, is asked to direct message @MerPolCC, message “Merseyside Police Facebook Contact Centre” or @CrimestoppersUK on 0800 555 111 with the reference 22000322022.