A MURDER investigation has been launched after a woman was found dead at a house in Burnley.

The body of Leanne Unsworth was found in a Marlborough Street terraced home just before 7.15pm on Monday.

Paramedics were called but the 40-year-old was pronounced dead at the scene. Ambulance workers then called police.

Two men, aged 38 and 39, from Burnley, were arrested on suspicion of murder in Wythenshawe, Manchester, on Tuesday afternoon. They remain in custody.

A forensic tent was in place into the late hours of this evening, as crime scene investigators searched the house where her body was found.

A second team of officers combed an area of the Liverpool and Leeds Canal towpath about 400 yards from the house where Ms Unsworth’s body was found.

Lancashire Telegraph:

Residents of Marlborough Street and nearby streets described their shock.

Gary Sharp, of Springfield Road, said: “It is very sad to hear about something like this so close to you.

“I heard a lot of commotion on Monday night, with people talking, and it sounded like someone was crying but I did not think much about it.”

Family friend Amjad Ali also expressed his sorrow at the death of Ms Unsworth, saying: “Leanne lived three doors down from me.We grew up together as kids.

“She had a heart of gold and was always trying to help people.

“I hope whoever is responsible for this is caught and all of my hopes and prayers are with her parents and family.”

Another woman who knew Leanne, Cathy Pilcio, said she ‘always had a smile on her face’.

She said: “This is such devastatingly said news for the whole area and everyone who knew Leanne. I didn’t know her as well as some, but would always say 'hello' when we met in the street.

“She was always smiling and the fact she is gone is just unthinkable. I can’t begin to imagine what her family are going through.”

Lancashire Telegraph:

Local councillors were also keen to pay their respects.

Cllr Christine White said: "It's absolutely dreadful. There are so many things happening in Burnley Wood but nothing like this.

“Leanne has lived around here for some time and her auntie lives nearby. It is such a nice area, everybody knows everyone and it is a small community.

“My feelings and sympathies go out to the family.”

Detectives urged people not to speculate on social media as the investigation was ongoing.

Det Ch Insp Zoe Russo said: “Firstly, my thoughts are with Leanne’s family and friends at this incredibly sad and difficult time. They are being supported by specially trained officers.

“We are in the early stages of our investigation and are on with a number of lines of inquiry.

“We are aware of a number or rumours circulating locally and would ask people not to speculate on the facts whilst we carry out our investigation for the sake of Leanne’s family.

“I would like to reassure people that we believe Leanne’s killer was known to her and there is nothing to suggest that there is a wider threat to the public.”

Police are appealing for information over the death. Call 101.