HEARTBROKEN family, friends and neighbours were united in grief after an Old Hill grandmother died from stab wounds.

On Monday Tina Billingham, aged 54, entered Rowley Healthcare, Hawes Lane, wounded and despite the best efforts of surgery staff she died hours later.

Her Granville Road home quickly became a shrine with a tree in her front garden adorned with flowers, toys and messages of support for her family.

Her grandchildren left a note with drawing of a flower which said: "I love you more than the sky and you are the favourite from our family, and I love you. "You are in heaven now."

A note said: "Tina, rest in peace, always loved and in our thoughts, you were a very kind person to everyone that knew you."

Another message with a bunch of flowers said: "Tina, you had the most beautiful heart ever, condolences."

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: "I am too upset to talk about this, I am tearing up all of the time."

Police have launched a major murder investigation but say they are not looking for anyone else in connection with the killing.

A police spokesman said: "The woman, who was believed to be in her 50s, was treated by medical staff and taken to hospital but despite their best efforts it became apparent that there was nothing that could be done to save her life and she sadly died a short time later."

The family home was a hive of activity yesterday (Wednesday) with several police fans and scenes of crime officers removing evidence from the house.

A 54-year-old man was arrested at the surgery on Monday on suspicion of murder and is currently helping police with their enquiries.

The surgery was cordoned off while forensic experts examined the scene and was closed on Tuesday but reopened yesterday (Wednesday).

Staff at the surgery declined to comment.