Murdered mother named by police

Officers found 31-year-old Dawn Backhouse with serious stab injuries at an address on Langsett Grove, Walkley. She died as she was being taken to hospital.

When they arrived at the scene, officers also found a 44-year-old man with a single stab wound to his chest who was taken to hospital. He was arrested in connection with the incident.

He remains in hospital where his condition was described as “life-threatening”.

Yesterday, the victim’s family released a statement paying tribute to her. “Dawn leaves behind three young children. She will forever be in our hearts and sorely missed,” it read.

Officers were called at 12.30am on Thursday and yesterday police inquiries were continuing.

Det Supt Mick Mason, who is leading the investigation, said: “I urge anyone who has information regarding the death of Dawn Backhouse to contact the incident room on 0114 296 3920, or anyone who heard a disturbance within the area of 16 Langsett Grove at approximately 12.20am on Thursday, June 23.”