Tributes have flooded in for a 'sweetheart' woman who was found dead in her flat.
Officers rushed to a flat block on Vittoria Close in Birkenhead at around 7.15pm on Thursday, May 12, following reports a woman's body was found in a property. Once police and paramedics arrived they found Karen Wheeler, 62, who was pronounced dead at the scene.
A 51-year-old man, who is known to the victim, was arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in police custody. Police are treating the incident as domestic-related and detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
READ MORE: Two men arrested after teenager was beaten to death in city centre
Karen's next of kin were informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. A post mortem is due to take place to establish the cause of death.
Dozens of people have taken to social media to pay tribute to Karen following her death.
Wendy Gooley said: "My thoughts are with your family sweetheart, I pray they gather the strength to get each other through it. Taken too soon xx"
Kellie J Walsh said: "May you rest in peace absolute heartbreaking xx"
In response to the tragic death of Karen, and 43-year-old Lorraine Cullen, who was stabbed to death at her home on Radway Road, Huyton, Merseyside Police have urged victims of domestic abuse to come forward.
Chief Superintendent Ngaire Waine, who leads the Force’s activity targeting Violence Against Women and Girls, said: "This has been a week of tragedy for the families involved, and the deaths of both women have left their communities in Huyton and Birkenhead shocked and saddened.
"Rest assured, there are teams of detectives who are working day and night to establish the full circumstances of these terrible incidents and to make sure anyone found responsible faces justice. The families of the two women are receiving the support of specialist officers as they grieve for their loved ones, and that support will continue throughout as we strive to get the answers they deserve.
“Merseyside Police is committed to working together with communities and partner agencies to tackle all violence against women and girls. A key part of that is ensuring victims of domestic abuse feel they will be believed and supported when they report offending to us, and we have developed a programme of work to ensure that we do everything in our power to support victims, target perpetrators and reduce violence.
“We want to continue the strides we have made to making sure Merseyside is an environment where women and girls are safe and feel they can pursue their daily lives free from fear and harassment.
“Domestic abuse is a complex issue and can take many forms. It can be psychological, financial, sexual, emotional and physical and we want to raise awareness of the support that is available to anyone who is or has experienced domestic abuse or has been affected by it so that nobody else has to suffer or silence or go through what they have been through.
“We work closely with local domestic support organisations, local authorities, safeguarding teams and charities to ensure that services and ongoing support are available, including access to refuges. We have a number of specialist departments within the police to investigate these crimes but it’s important that we all work together to support survivors and collectively work to prevent these crimes occurring in the first place by raising awareness.”
There are several ways to report if you are a victim of domestic abuse, A Merseyside Police spokesperson said: "Call us - If you are in immediate danger, always call 999. If you ring 999 and are not in a safe position to speak to us then cough, or tap, the phone and press 55, when prompted. This will alert the operator that you need assistance and we will provide support.
"Online – You can report online domestic abuse to us online Report domestic abuse | Merseyside Police and someone will get back to you, via your specified method, within 24 hours.
"All reports are treated seriously, they will be investigated sensitively and we will work with our partners to offer support and keep victims safe. We understand that every domestic incident is unique and we will do everything we can to ensure perpetrators are brought to justice, so the victims of this terrible and under-reported crime are protected and their needs are put first."
