Mother and daughter died from multiple stab wounds, say police

The bodies of Tracy Donnelly, 42, and her 23-year-old daughter Louise Donnelly were found at Tracy’s home in Ironside Road, Sheffield, at 7.40am on Tuesday.

Neighbours had seen Tracy’s four-year-old son Daniel wandering outside the house crying that morning. It is thought he was in the house when his mother and sister died.

Police formally identified the dead women yesterday lunchtime and said that both of them “died from multiple stab injuries”.

Tracy Donnelly’s mother Maureen Donnelly, 61, said: “I have lost my daughter and granddaughter and I need to concentrate on my grandsons. They are my main priority.

“I would ask that my family is given some privacy at this difficult time to grieve for our loved ones.

“I appeal to anyone who can assist South Yorkshire Police with their investigation to please come forward.”

A spokesman for South Yorkshire Police said that a 25-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder was still being questioned last night.

He was initially arrested after the BMW X5 he was driving ploughed into a group of students at 2.50am on Tuesday, less than an hour after a man was seen running barefoot from the house in Ironside Road.

Three men, aged 19 and 20, suffered injuries, including a broken arm, in the collision.

Officers chased the car through Sheffield city centre and the 25-year-old was eventually arrested on suspicion of motoring offences when he crashed into a fence at the junction of Edmund Road and St Mary’s Road in Highfield.

A South Yorkshire Police spokesman said: “The driver of the X5 – a 25-year-old man from the Sheffield area – was arrested on suspicion of motoring offences and detained.

“He was later re-arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with the discovery of two bodies on Ironside Road.”

In a tribute on Facebook, Tracy Donnelly’s 18-year-old son Ashley wrote: “Goodnight mum and Louise. Love you so much. Don’t worry, I’m going to look after Daniel. Missing you.”

Contrary to earlier reports, detectives said yesterday that Louise Donnelly was not pregnant when she died.