A WOMAN has died following an alleged stabbing at her Christchurch home on Monday evening.

The woman, named locally as Elizabeth Perkins, was believed to be in her 60s and was pronounced dead at Scott’s Green on the town’s Somerford estate at 7.40pm on Monday.

A 53-year-old Christchurch man was arrested at the scene in connection with her death and is helping police with their inquiries.

Police are treating her death as suspicious.

A Dorset Police spokesman said: “Officers believe that the dead woman and the arrested man are known to each other and police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.”

Officers were alerted by a male member of the public.

The woman’s next of kin has been informed of the death.

House to house inquiries were carried out all day yesterday and a forensics tent was in the front garden of the property while scene of crime officers worked at the property.

It is understood the victim lived in an upstairs flat in the house and was thought to be in a relationship with the man who lived in the flat below.

She is also understood to have one daughter.

The district coroner has been informed and a post mortem examination was due to be carried out yesterday afternoon.

Tributes were yesterday paid to the woman from friends and neighbours.

Joe Hughes, who lives one door along from the victim’s flat, said: “Liz was lovely. Quiet, she kept herself to herself.

“I’ve known her for about eight years, since I moved in.

“She used to come to ours occasionally.

“She had two cats, which as far as I am concerned makes anyone lovely.”

He added: “It’s only just started to hit me to be honest. I can’t quite take it in. “I think I’m in shock.”

Ann Chapman, who lives across the road in Scott’s Green, said: “I knew Liz, she used to come into mine for coffee sometimes.

“She was lovely. It’s so shocking. I can’t really take it all in.

“I was out at the time and saw someone post something on Facebook asking what was happening in Scott’s Green.

“I came straight back to find out, I thought there may have been a fire or something.

“I just can’t believe it.”

Pete Woolgar, who also lives in Scott’s Green, said: “I heard the police and ambulance arrive – it must have been around 7.30 to 8pm – but didn’t hear anything before that.

“It is usually a quiet area, and there is little trouble – just the same that you get everywhere.”

Police have urged anyone with information about the incident to contact them in confidence on 01202 222222.