A MURDER inquiry was launched after a woman was found dead at a bungalow in Bolton.

Marie Gillard was found slumped by the doorstep of her home in George Barton Street, Tonge Moor.

Paramedics were called, but Miss Gillard, aged 33, was pronounced dead at the scene at 6.30pm yesterday.

Police arrested a 23-year-old woman from Bolton last night on suspicion of murder.

She was being questioned in connection with the incident.

Detectives were today investigating reports from eye witnesses that Miss Gillard was involved in a fight on her doorstep shortly before she was found.

A resident of nearby Angle Street said: "I came out here with everyone else when the ambulance arrived and someone said there had been a fight.

"The police arrived and moved everyone to the end of the street .

"They have been here all through the night."

Forensics officers cordoned off a section of the street outside the bungalow and carried out tests throughout the night as part of their search for evidence.

A car outside the house was covered by police and officers were standing guard at either side of the road cordon.

Residents of the road - a quite residential street lined with terraced bungalows, have spoken of their shock. One homeowner, who asked not to be named, said: "I cant believe something like this has happened in our street. It is normally a quiet road where nothing much goes on.

"People appear to be shocked."

A police spokesman said the cause of the womans death was not yet known but she is thought to have suffered head injuries. He confirmed a post mortem examination was due to be carried out this evening.

Anyone with any information about the incident is asked to contact Bolton CID on 0161 856 5740 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.