Police name mum-of-one found dead on pavement after 'brutal and sustained assault'

Police have named a mother-of-one found dead on a pavement after a ‘brutal and sustained assault’.

Rosie Darbyshire was found by emergency services on a pavement in Preston, Lancashire, after reports of an altercation at around 2am on Thursday.

A post-mortem examination later revealed the 27-year-old, from Ribbleton, died as a result of serious head injuries.

A 25-year-old man from Preston arrested close to the scene in Pope Lane is being questioned on suspicion of murder.

In a tribute, Rosie’s family said: “It doesn’t seem real that our crazy, wig-wearing, talented, goofy Rosie won’t be bursting through the door in song anymore.

“We are utterly heartbroken and don’t doubt that this devastating news will be affecting so many more people than we could ever imagine.

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“We ask for time to grieve and attempt to process this as a family. Rosie’s wonderful son is our priority right now.”

Police said they believe Rosie’s attacker was known to her and they do not believe there is any threat to the wider community.

Detective Chief Inspector Geoff Hurst, from Lancashire Police’s major investigation team, said: “Firstly my thoughts are with Rosie’s family who are understandably devastated. We have family liaison officers providing them support at this extremely difficult and sad time.

“We are treating this as a murder and believe that Rosie’s attacker was known to her. We do not believe there is any kind of wider threat to the local community.

“I have a team of people working on getting to the bottom of what happened to Rosie and would like to reiterate my appeal to anyone who may have seen or heard anything in the area at the time to get in touch as soon as possible as you could have vital information.

“There will be extra officers out and about in the vicinity of where this tragic incident happened so please speak to them if you have any concerns or you know something you want to share with us.”