Tributes to ‘kind mother’ killed by knifeman

Emma Siswick, also known as Emma Mansell, 37, died in hospital shortly after being stabbed at the family home in Huddersfield on Sunday evening.

Her children were caught up in the horrific events, which were described by police as a “domestic related”.

A 39-year-old man was detained at the scene by police but has yet to be formally arrested or interviewed because of the extent of his own injuries, believed to be self inflicted.

An 11-year-old boy suffered serious stab injuries which were described last night as “not life-threatening”.

He was found inside the house in Reinwood Road at Oakes, a residential area popular with young families and the elderly.

Also injured was a boy aged nine, who was stabbed in the arm and fled from the house. He and the 11-year-old are being treated in hospital. A boy aged six and a baby girl suffered minor injuries, according to police.

Neighbours described seeing a boy running down the street screaming for help.

She said: “I heard a noise and looked out of my blind. I saw the little boy and he was absolutely covered in blood.

“I saw my two other neighbours run out and as I came out they said a boy had been run over.

“He ran straight out of the alleyway of his house and on to the road. He said ‘someone needs to help my mummy and baby and brother’. Someone came out with the baby and the blanket had blood all over it. There were police that way and ambulance the other way.”

Police cordoned off the sceneand put up a blue and white forensic tent a short distance from the house. Bloodstains could be seen on the upstairs window frame.

Friends last night paid tribute to Ms Siswick, who was a former pupil at Salendine Nook High School, not far from the murder scene.

Marcel Adams, a childhood friend, said: “I can’t believe it. I can’t believe this has happened to Emma.

“She was always so lovely and kind. She’s had a lot of things happen to her in her life. She lost a child to meningitis years ago and she has always just tried to get on with things.

“I went to the hospital this morning and I bumped in to her sister Nicola.

“She came up to me and just broke down in my arms.

“She told me that the two boys had been injured. I asked if they were both going to be okay and she said yes. It’s just so sad. You don’t expect this.”

Neighbour Jayne Werritt said: “This is an absolute tragedy. The children have lost their mother, that is the aftermath.”

Detective Chief Inspector Ady Taylor said: “A 39-year-old man was detained at the scene and is being treated in hospital for serious injuries.

“We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”