A MURDER hunt is underway after a woman died in a "vicious and brutal" stabbing.

Jean Ryder was stabbed in the back in a busy street in south Manchester.

Minutes before her death, she was seen at a nearby bus stop with a man who she may have argued with, according to Greater Manchester Police.

Ms Ryder died last Friday after being found unconscious near the bus stop in Newall Green.

The 42-year-old, from Bodmin Walk, Baguley, was found at the junction of Greenbrow and Beckfield roads.

She was taken to Wythenshawe Hospital, but later died from her injuries.

A post mortem examination confirmed she died after sustaining a single stab wound to the back.

Ms Ryder was last seen around the area of the Red Rose pub and Greenbrow Road.