A murder investigation has been closed almost a year after a woman was found dead in north Merseyside. Barbara Salmon’s body was found at around 1.50pm on Wednesday, November 22 last year, at her flat on Hillary Drive in Crosby.
Initially, Merseyside Police said the death was unexplained and officers arrested three people on suspicion of murder. They were a 28-year-old man and a 31-year-old woman from Southport, and a 37-year-old man from Litherland. They were released pending further enquiries.
A police spokesperson has now confirmed the murder investigation has been discontinued after a pathology report found their were no homicide injuries.
In the days following the 68-year-old’s death, Ms Salmon’s neighbour and friend Michelle, told how she had been with Ms Salmon just hours before she died.
She said: “She was with me in the morning when she got locked out her flat but her neighbour let her in. Barbara was so lovely, she was my best mate for nearly 10 years.
“We’ve both been here since the flats were built.”
Michelle added: “I can’t believe it. I was with her the morning she died and she was fine.” Michelle said Ms Salmon was undergoing treatment for cancer at the time of her death.
It’s understood she had a pet dog while living in her flat on the quiet north Merseyside road.
Detective Chief Inspector Sue Hinds said at the time: “We are in the early stages of our investigation and are carrying out enquiries to establish the circumstances of the death, which is currently being treated as unexplained.
“A Home Office Post Mortem has taken place but the results have been withheld pending further enquiries.
“In the meantime officers will be carrying out enquiries as part of the investigation.
“I’d urge anyone who has information to come forward at the earliest opportunity, either via @MerPolCC, 101 or anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111, with reference 24000982878.”
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