- Emergency services flooded the scene in Worcester, West Midlands last night
A mother who was killed in an attack which has also left her daughter fighting for her life has been pictured for the first time.
Wendy Francis, 61, died at the scene and her 38-year-old daughter Stacey Hill was left with severe injuries following the incident at a home in Worcester last night.
Police have arrested a 50-year-old man on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.
Emergency services were called to Haresfield Close at around 8.30pm, with ambulance crews, police and a critical care team in attendance. Neighbours were left shocked by the attack on what ‘has always been a good street’.
In a tribute, Ms Francis’ family said: ‘Wendy will be hugely missed; she was one in a million and much-loved.’
The mother who was killed and her daughter who was left fighting for her life in hospital have been pictured for the first time. Pictured is Wendy Francis (right) and Stacey Hill (left)
The pair have been named locally as Wendy Francis (left) and her daughter Stacey Hill
Police and forensics at the scene where a murder investigation has been launched
Neighbours said Miss Hill had lived at the £245,000 property for five years.
Andy Fowler, 62, has lived on Haresfield Close his whole life and knew the family well. He lives four doors away from them and was very shocked to see ambulances outside their house last night.
He said: ‘It has always been a good street. I saw the ambulance working on somebody and the police were holding a blanket around it, so I knew that something serious was going on.
‘I know them very well. They are very good friends of mine. I have known Wendy since I was a kid.
‘I am very shocked I can’t believe it. They are all good people.’
Several friends and neighbours paid tribute to Ms Francis online, with one writing: ‘So so tragic Wendy was such a lovely lady. Sending heartfelt condolences to all of Wendy’s family at this very difficult time. Rest in peace Wendy.’
Another added: ‘How could someone do something so evil. Wendy was such a lovely person and will be missed by many. I just can’t stop thinking about it. Thinking of all the family at this very sad time.’
‘I’m so shocked to hear this. Wendy was an amazing woman. Missed by so many already,’ a third wrote.
Several people described Ms Francis as ‘lovely’ in their tributes and sent their thoughts to her family over the ‘devastating’ and ‘heartbreaking’ news of her death.
A relative said: ‘Sad news to wake up to. Such a loving caring person that would do anything for everyone. A relative of mine also that will be sadly missed. Shocked.’
One witness said they saw a person being treated on the ground before being taken away in an ambulance.
Detective Chief Inspector Leighton Harding of the Murder Investigation Unit said: ‘I understand that incidents of this nature can be alarming, but I would like to reassure the local community that this was an isolated incident and there is no wider risk to the public.
There were a large number of police vehicles, ambulances and a critical care team at the scene last night. Pictured is a police officer at the road this morning
Pictured is a police cordon at the scene today following the incident last night
A murder investigation has been launched after a woman was killed and a second left fighting for her life in Worcester
Neighbours said Miss Hill had lived at the £245,000 property for five years
‘You will notice a higher police presence in the area in the coming days as officers investigate this incident.
‘Our thoughts are with the family of the woman who has sadly lost her life.’
In a statement online, West Mercia Police said: ‘Although formal identification has yet to take place, with permission of the family we are able to confirm that Wendy Francis, aged 61, sadly lost her life in the incident which is being investigated by West Mercia Police.
‘A 50-year-old man remains in police custody on suspicion of murder and attempted murder.’
The family of Wendy Francis also asked that their privacy is respected, according to the police statement.