Mum went to visit her friend and hours later she was found dead

Two men and a woman were arrested on suspicion of murder

The heartbroken friend of a mum whose death has led to three murder arrests has paid tribute to her. Barbara Salmon was found dead at around 1.50pm on Wednesday, November 22, at her flat on Hillary Drive in Crosby.

Merseyside Police said the death is currently being treated as unexplained and forensic officers remain at the scene. A post mortem has taken place but the results have been withheld, police said. Speaking to the ECHO today (Friday), Ms Salmon's neighbour and friend Michelle, explained she had been sat with the 68-year-old just hours before her death.

She said: "She was with me in the morning when she got locked out her flat but her neighbour let her in. Barbara was so lovely, she was my best mate for nearly 10 years. We've both been here since the flats were built around 10 years ago."

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Michelle continued: "I can't believe it. I was with her the morning she died and she was fine." Michelle said Ms Salmon was undergoing treatment for cancer at the time of her death. It's understood she had a pet dog while living in her flat on the quiet north Merseyside road.

Following her death, detectives arrested three people on suspicion of murder. They include: a 28-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman from Southport, and a 37-year-old man from Litherland. They have all been conditionally bailed pending further enquiries.

The ECHO understands forensic officers will remain at the property on Hillary Drive for several days while the investigation continues. Another neighbour told the ECHO he was shocked to see police on his doorstep. He said: "I don't have a clue what has gone on but I'm surprised to see so many police here.

"It's such a quiet area and anything rarely happens." A number of police vehicles, including a scientific support unit and a matrix van, were on Sefton Moss Villas on Thursday, November 21. Merseyside Police confirmed to the ECHO this was in connection with the Crosby incident. Police remained at the scene today, Friday, November 22.

Detective Chief Inspector Sue Hinds said: "We are in the early stages of our investigation and are carrying out enquiries to establish the circumstances of the death, which is currently being treated as unexplained. A Home Office Post Mortem has taken place but the results have been withheld pending further enquiries.

"In the meantime officers will be carrying out enquiries as part of the investigation. I'd urge anyone who has information to come forward at the earliest opportunity, either via @MerPolCC, 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, with reference 24000982878.”