DEVASTATED neighbours have paid tribute to Tiffany Stevens, who was found dead along with her two children yesterday.

Officers were called to a home on Arthur Street in Little Lever at 3.50pm on Monday where they found the body of a woman in her 20s and her two children Casey, three and Darcey, one.

Police have not confirmed the identity but neighbours have paid tribute, calling her a 'brilliant mum, friendly and nice to talk to'.

Pictures posted on social media show Tiffany cuddling her children.

It is understood that, until last year, Casey attended local nursery Jelly Babies, on Chapel Street.

Staff at the nursery declined to comment.

Neighbour Annmarie Crossland, a good friend of Tiffany's, said her children played with Tiffany's two young girls.

Annemarie, 36, said she could hear screaming outside the property, which is owned by the Great Places housing association, yesterday afternoon.

Inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the deaths are ongoing, the GMP duty inspector said.

There is a small police presence on the street and a cordon is still in place towards the back of the property. Residents say they are 'devastated' by the news.

Superintendent Rick Jackson, of Greater Manchester Police’s Bolton borough, said: “This is an incredibly tragic incident and we have specialist officers supporting the family at this unimaginably difficult time.

“Our officers will be continuing with enquiries at the scene over the coming days and detectives will be investigating the full circumstances surrounding what happened.

“We are keeping an open mind as to what happened to the woman and her children and the investigation is likely to take some time, however based on what we know so far we are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.

“I would urge anyone who knows anything to get in touch with us as a matter of urgency, as your information could be vital to this investigation.”

One said: "I don't know what to say to be honest, it's just shocking.

"All I could hear was the police coming. My youngest used to play with her kids and you could always hear when she was coming over."

She added: "I don't think she talked to a lot of people. I think she was 32. She looked young."

Another residents, who lives on Arthur Street, said: "You can't get over it. I've seen the little ones playing out.

"It's shocking and it's such a shame. It does affect you."

Little Lever resident John Thornton said: "It's a shock. You realise that this goes on in the UK and then it happens where you live. It's just very sad."

Cllr Sean Hornby, who represents the area for Bolton Council, spoke of his shock last night.

He said: "I'm aware of an incident which took place late this afternoon. If the circumstances are confirmed then it is very sad.

"I will be speaking to police in the morning."

Following a statement by police confirming the deaths, he added: "This is devastating news.

"I have spoken to residents in the area they are obviously shocked and very upset.

"I am saddened by the news, my thoughts are with close relatives of the family.

"We will await the findings of the police. There is speculation as to what has happened, but the police investigation will confirm what has happened with regard to this tragedy."

Police are expected to be at the scene for two days carrying out investigations.

A spokesman for North West Ambulance Service said: "We were called to a private address at 15.35 yesterday.

"We did not take anyone to hospital."

People have been speaking of their shock on social media. One wrote: "Oh good god, absolutely heart breaking.

"Today I'm going to hug my family a little tighter, and appreciate what we have."

Another added: "Devastating news, thoughts not only with the family but the emergency service people that have had to deal with this tragedy."

Anyone with information should contact police on 0161 856 6777 quoting reference number 1275 of 21/01/19 or the independent charity Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.