Police in Manchester have named a man they want to speak to in connection with the murder of a mother of two in Salford.
A manhunt has been launched for Michael Cope after Linzi Ashton, 25, was found dead in her home in Westbourne Road, Winton, shortly before 6pm on Saturday. Cope, 28, who lives locally, is believed to have been in a relationship with the barmaid.
Detective Chief Superintendent Darren Shenton said: "Linzi is the mother of two young children and has been brutally murdered." He declined to speculate over the cause of her death but said she had been brutally assaulted.
"Michael Cope and Linzi had been in a relationship. That relationship has been acrimonious and indeed the subject of reports to the police," he said.
"Cope can surrender to the police and contact any local police officer or police station, but I give this caveat to people who may know Cope and may be harbouring him – I would take a particular dim view of anybody who provides assistance to Cope knowing that he is being actively searched by police in connection with this murder.
"If anybody knows the whereabouts of Michael Cope then contact us at the earliest opportunity."
Police have cordoned off part of Westbourne Road as forensic investigators examine the property. A number of floral tributes have been left near Ashton's home and outside the Duke of York pub, in Eccles town centre, where she worked. One reads: "Our lovely princess Linzi. Fallen too soon. Forever in our hearts and memories."
Greater Manchester police has referred files relating to its previous involvement with the couple to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.