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Tributes to ‘lovely’ woman killed in front of terrified shoppers as she worked in travel agents

Merseyside Police surround TUI travel shop on Chapel Street in Southport - Liverpool Echo
Merseyside Police surround TUI travel shop on Chapel Street in Southport - Liverpool Echo

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman who was attacked at a travel agents died.

Cassie Hayes, 28, was targeted on Saturday at the Tui branch in Southport, Merseyside, where she worked.

Police were called to the scene in Chapel Street at 1.25pm and Ms Hayes was taken to hospital, where she later died from her injuries.

A 30-year-old man, from the St Helens area, was detained over the incident, which is believed to be domestic related.

Tributes have been paid to Ms Hayes who was described as a “lovely person” by former colleagues at Tui.

One former colleague wrote on Facebook: “Such sad news about Cassie, worked with her a few times when I was working for Tui and she was such a lovely person. Thoughts are with all my friends at Tui, Tui Southport and her family and friends. RIP Cassie xxx”.

Another said: “So shocked to here the sad news about Cassie. Iv [sic] not worked for Tui for a while but the time I did and worked with Cassie she was such a lovely girl. RIP Cassie. Thinking of all the Southport girls and Cassie’s family.”

The woman's next of kin have been informed, police added.

Stunned shoppers had looked on as emergency services, including two air ambulances, rushed to the travel agents in a bid to save Ms Hayes.

Police outside a travel agents in Southport where woman was attacked and was taken to hospital, where she later died from her injuries - Credit: PA
Police outside a travel agents in Southport where woman was attacked and was taken to hospital, where she later died from her injuries Credit: PA

Police later cordoned off the Tui branch and surrounding shops as forensic investigators examined the crime scene.

A police spokeswoman said: "We can confirm a murder investigation has been launched following an incident in Southport today.

"Detectives are appealing for anyone with information to contact Merseyside Police on 101 quoting log 470 of January 13 or the Crimestoppers line anonymously on 0800 555 111."

A Tui spokeswoman said: "We regret to confirm that a female member of staff at our Southport Tui retail store tragically died in an incident today.

"We send our deepest sympathies to the friends and family of the staff member involved.

"We're doing everything possible to assist the local police with their investigation and support our customers and staff at this difficult time."