Liam Collier, 34, died of his injuries following an incident inside a flat in HaydockLiam Collier, 34, was stabbed to death in Haydock on May 2Liam Collier, 34, was stabbed to death in Haydock on May 2(Image: Merseyside Police )

The family of a man stabbed to death said he “will be loved and missed always and forever”. Liam Collier, 34, died of his injuries following an incident inside a flat on Sherlock Avenue in Haydock on Friday, May 2.

In a short statement issued through Merseyside Police, his family said today, Sunday, May 4: “Liam, you were taken far too soon. You will be loved and missed always and forever. From all your family.” They added a heart emoji and kisses.

The force confirmed this afternoon that Kayleigh Smart, 39 and of no fixed address but believed to be from the Billinge area, had been charged in connection with a fatal stabbing in Haydock on Friday, May 2. She has been remanded in custody and will appear at Liverpool Magistrates’ Court tomorrow, Monday, May 5.

A 40-year-old man from Liverpool, who was arrested in connection with the murder, has been released on police bail.

Detective Chief Inspector Steve Ball said: “Our thoughts and sincere condolences are with the victim’s family, and they are being supported by our specialist officers at this difficult time. This was an isolated incident, and we are not looking for anyone else in connection with his tragic death.”

Speaking to the ECHO at the scene yesterday, a local man said he “saw the blue lights” at around 10.30pm before looking out of his window and seeing “about 10 police cars and ambulances.”

He added: “I keep myself to myself. All the other neighbours were standing out here until 3am in the morning in their pyjamas watching it all. Put it this way: I could see the doctors trying to save him. It was going on for about an hour.”

A white forensic tent had been put up outside the flats, while a scientific support police team photographed the front and back gardens. Three police vehicles and a handful of officers guarded the entrances to the cordon, while several detectives carried out house-to-house enquiries.