A murder inquiry is under way after a 15-year-old girl discovered the body of her mother at their home.

Neighbours have revealed how Megan Melia ran from the house, screaming "please help, my mum is dead", after finding the blood-stained body.

Sarah Melia, aged 33, of Catherine Street West, Horwich, was found collapsed at the foot of the stairs on Monday afternoon.

Last night, police were questioning a 35-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

And a house in Pinfold Close, Westhoughton, was taped off while officers searched it in connection with the death.

A neighbour of the man, who is believed to have moved into the street two months ago, said: "I opened my curtains and saw loads of police. A riot van, two unmarked cars and three squad cars turned up but there were no sirens. They were carrying two riot shields and they were holding a battering ram and a cosh.

"I'd seen the man come in from working a night shift a few hours earlier. He was arrested and left his house handcuffed with his arms in front of him."

Police and paramedics were called to the semi-detached house in Horwich where Ms Melia's body was found at 3.30pm on Monday.

One neighbour, who asked not to be named, said: "We heard the shouts from our house and looked out to see Megan screaming her head off. She was just screaming help, my mum is dead', over and over again.

"It's absolutely horrific that she should see something like this. Not only has she lost her mother but this memory will stay with her for the rest of her life."

Ms Melia's children, Megan, a pupil at Rivington and Blackrod High School, and 10-year-old Ethan, who attends Horwich Parish CE Primary School, have being staying with relatives since the tragedy.

Megan is being interviewed by specially-trained police officers.

A neighbour said: "The children are absolutely lovely. They have really nice manners and it's been a delight to have them living on the street."

Forensics staff were called in to examine the home and a mobile police station has been set up in Catherine Street West to gather statements from neighbours.

Officers spent yesterday combing the gardens of nearby houses for evidence and police are appealing for anyone who spoke to Ms Melia on the day she died to contact them as soon as possible.

Neighbours have reacted with horror to the murder.

One local man said: "I can't believe something like this has happened on my own doorstep. I have children and this happened in the middle of the day, which is absolutely terrifying."

Another added: "I don't think it's sunk in properly. It's just too terrible to think about."

Floral tributes have been laid on the wall of Ms Melia's home by family and friends devastated by her death.

One, signed Theresa, Paul, Lewis, Sheridan, Callum and Demi, read: "A dearly loved sister and aunt, sad are the hearts that loved you, silent the tears that fall, living our lives without you is the hardest part of all. Will miss you loads."

Another simply said: "Good night, God bless."

Police are appealing for anyone who spoke to Ms Melia on the day she died, or has information about her murder, to contact them as soon as possible by calling the incident room on 0161 8565740 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.