A murder investigation has been launched after the death of a woman prison officer at her home in Golborne.
Helen Lucas, 45, died in Wigan Infirmary on Saturday afternoon after she was found seriously injured on the landing of the terraced house in Park Road.


A post-mortem examination revealed trauma to her head and neck and she had also suffered other cuts and bruises to her face and limbs. Ms Lucas lived with her 35-year-old partner Lee Lucas. He is believed to be a former soldier who, like Ms Lucas, worked at HMP Risley in Warrington.
It is thought that Ms Lucas recently changed her surname by deed poll, although the couple were not married.
Yesterday, Helen's 87-year-old mother, also named Helen paid tribute to her.
She said: "Helen was a very loyal and loving person.
"She was hard-working and was a wonderful, loving daughter and a great friend to many."


Det Supt Geoff Wessell, who is leading the murder investigation, said: "This is a tragic death of a popular woman.
"I would like to reassure the local public that I believe this is an isolated incident and we are doing all we can to find whoever is responsible. The murder investigation is at an early stage and I am trying to establish Helen's movements in the lead-up to her death.
"We believe she had been out in the Golborne area on Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday morning, and I would appeal to anyone who may have seen her to contact police.
"I am especially keen to hear from anyone who may have seen Helen walking home along Bridge Street to come forward."
Tribute


Neighbours and friends paid tribute to a friendly, popular woman.
A neighbour saw Ms Lucas as she was placed into an ambulance by paramedics.
She said: "She was whiter than white and I thought she had had a heart attack.
"But then when the ambulance left three police cars followed after it and I thought that something might be up.
"I only really knew her to say hello to but she was always friendly – she was a lovely woman."


One friend, who did not wish to be named, said: "Helen was a lovely person, she would do anything for anyone and was a fun person and a good friend.
"It is not a nice thing to have happened, it is a tragedy."
It is believed that the couple were drinking and playing darts in a local pub on Friday evening through until the early hours of Saturday morning.
Police are now trying to trace Ms Lucas' movements in the hours before her death.
A 35-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder was due to appear in court on Wednesday morning.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the Major Incident Team on 0161 856 2482, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.