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Ian Johnston and Sadie Hartley Credit: Ian Johnston

The partner of Sadie Hartley has paid a tribute to her. Ian Johnston said she was a "wonderful mother, sister, partner and friend".

A murder investigation was launched after her body was found at a house in Helmshore, Rossendale, on Friday, January 15.

Sarah Williams, 34, has been charged with her murder.

“Sadie was a wonderful mother, sister, partner and friend.

“We are all utterly distraught following her senseless, brutal murder.

“She was a respectable, hard-working person who had run a successful business that supported medical services.

“It is an utter tragedy that she has been taken so unnecessarily from us and will be sadly missed by all those who knew her.

“The family now respectfully wish and hope that they may be left in peace to enable them to cope with this terrible event.”

– Ian Johnston, the partner of Sadie Hartley

Two women in court over murder of Lancashire businesswoman

Sadie Hartley - found dead at her Lancashire home Credit: Greater Manchester Police

It is with very deep regret that the company announces the sad death of Mrs Sadie Hartley.

Sadie was a co-founder of the company in 2000 and has been integral to the success of Hartley Taylor Ltd.

At this very difficult time, our thoughts are with her son and daughter, family, friends and loved ones.

We thank all of our valued clients for their understanding, patience and kind words during this difficult period.

– Hartley & Taylor

Two women in court over murder of Lancashire businesswoman

Detectives are questioning a 34 year old woman over the murder of a Sandie Hartley in Rossendale.

The 60 year old was found dead with knife wounds at her home in Helmshaw on Friday night.

It's thought an employee called the police when she couldn't be contacted.

Two women in court over murder of Lancashire businesswoman

Police investigating the murder of a 60-year-old woman in Helmshore say a 34-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

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A 60-year-old woman was found dead at a house in Helmshore on Friday, January 15 Credit: Dave Brown/ITV News Granada Reports

A murder investigation is continuing after the body of a woman was found at a house in Helmshore, Rossendale, on Friday, January 15.

Police and paramedics were called to a house on Sunny Bank Road where they found a 60-year-old woman with knife wounds. She was pronounced dead at the scene.

Lancashire Police has named the woman as Sadie Hartley, though she is yet to be formally identified. A post-mortem examination is also due to take place.

The death is being treated as murder, but arrests have yet to be made.

We are in the early stages of our enquiries and are working to establish exactly how Sadie has come about these injuries. We have a large team of detectives dedicated to following all lines of enquiry.

Specialist officers are supporting Sadie’s family at this difficult time.

I would urge anyone with information about Sadie’s death to please get in contact with us at your earliest opportunity.

– Detective Superintendent Andy Murphy, Force Major Investigation Team

Two women in court over murder of Lancashire businesswoman