THE family of a woman killed in a doorstep fight have paid tribute to her.

Marie Gillard, aged 33, is thought to have hit her head when she fell during a brawl outside a house in George Barton Street, Tonge Moor, on Tuesday night.

Miss Gillards grandmother, Florence Schofield, said today: "She was a lovely girl who wouldnt have hurt a fly."

Detectives have launched a murder inquiry after Miss Gillard was pronounced dead by paramedics despite attempts by a neighbour to resuscitate her.

Police are continuing to question a 23-year-old woman who was arrested later that night.

A post-mortem examination revealed Miss Gillard died as a result of head injuries she suffered during the fight.

Speaking from her home on Bleak Street, Tonge Moor, Mrs Schofield, aged 81, said: "I cant understand why anybody would want to do this.

"The whole family is devastated. You dont expect to outlive your grandchildren."

Police forensics officers were last night continuing to work outside the house where the body of Miss Gillard was found.

The house where Miss Gillard was found belongs to Bernard Mills. Miss Gillard was known to sleep there occasionally.

Residents on the quiet road said they were shocked at what had happened.

One man, asked not to be named, said: "I dont know what the argument was about. Everyone who knew her is quite shocked."

Wiiliam Kelly, aged 67, who shared his house on Hillfield Walk, Tonge Moor, with Miss Gillard, said: "She wasnt a very big girl and wouldnt have had much of a chance in a fight.

"She was very easy going but had a mind of her own and Im struggling to come to terms with the fact Ill never see her again."

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