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Mother found dead at home

22/ 2/2006

MUM-OF-TWO Susan Crane, 30, was found dead by police in the early hours of Sunday morning at her Grosvenor Street home.

A post-mortem examination has since revealed she had been strangled.

The discovery came shortly after neighbours ran to the rescue of pensioner Marlene Phillips, who screamed for help as she was attacked in her home further down the street.

Police say Mrs Phillips, who lives alone, was stabbed 'numerous times.' She remained in a stable condition in Fairfield Hospital as the Advertiser went to press.

Ms Crane has two daughters aged seven and nine and is a former pupil of St Joseph's High School.

Police cordoned off the street on Sunday while forensic experts combed the area for clues following the gruesome discovery.

A 43-year-old woman and 52-year-old man were also taken to Fairfield Hospital with leg injuries after allegedly being hit by a car on Bury Old Road at about 9.30pm on Saturday.

Police called to the scene, close to Our Lady and St Paul's Primary School, also found a 50-year-old man with a stab wound to his neck.

The woman and the 52-year-old man were released the same day. The man with neck injuries was also treated at Fairfield and released on Monday.

Susan Crane's mother, Liz Jennings, said: "Susan was a fun loving and caring person who I admit had endured her own share of problems.

"However, she will be sadly missed by all her family and did not deserve what happened to her.

"This is a tragedy for all the family. We all want justice to be done for Susan."

Thomas Dooley, 45, was arrested in Grosvenor Street on Saturday night and charged with murder and attempted murder on Tuesday afternoon. Police have confirmed they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incidents.