'The poor kids.. Christmas and no mum'

NEIGHBOURS TELL OF HORROR ATTACK IN FRONT OF CHILDREN AS MURDER PROBE LAUNCHED AND FAMILY PAY TRIBUTE TO 'DEVOTED MOTHER'

- CHRIS SLATER, TODD FITZGERALD AND IMOGEN CLYDE-SMITH

A MUM at the centre of a murder investigation was attacked in front of her children.

Perseverance Ncube known as 'Percy' to friends, family and neighbours-died after being stabbed in Little Hulton, Salford.

The horrific attack on the 35-year-old was witnessed by her two young children, police said.

A manhunt was launched following the tragedy on Dukesgate Grove in the early hours of yesterday. A suspect, 45, was later arrested on suspicion of murder. It has emerged he was out on licence from prison and wearing a tag following a previous violent offence and had been seen by neighbours 'hiding in bushes' before the tragedy.

The man, who police have said was an asylum seeker, had been released from prison after serving a lengthy sentence for a section 18 wounding, the M.E.N. has learned.

Witnesses reported seeing police arrive just before 3am. It is understood the incident happened at 2.40am.

Police said Ms Ncube was 'found by her two young children with a single stab injury to the chest, before she was taken to hospital. She then sadly died.

Ms Ncube's family released a heartbreaking tribute via police. It said: "It is with immense pain that we say goodbye to Perseverance Ncube, also known as Percy to her loved ones. She was a loving and devoted mother who lived for her children, family and friends.