Inquest opens into death of Wigan mum Melissa Belshaw killed in stabbing

Melissa Belshaw, 32, died on Wednesday, May 20 after the incident on Upholland Road in Billinge.

Coroner Alan Walsh opened the inquest at Bolton Coroner’s Court on Thursday afternoon and adjourned it to a future date.

Police called to the property on Upholland Road found Melissa had been stabbed and had suffered what the force described as “catastrophic” injuries.

They hailed the heroism of two passers-by who dashed into the house after hearing screams and intervened, one of whom was seriously injured.

Tributes have been paid to beautician Melissa, who lived with her 13-year-old daughter and was about to open a new beauty salon on Hallgate called The Lash Room.

Only days before her death she had been on social media expressing how excited she had been about the new business venture.

A friend, who asked not to be named, said Melissa was looking forward to a bright future and opening her own business.

Andrea Bennett wrote on Wigan Today’s social media page that she had taught Melissa hairdressing and described her as “an outgoing young lady with a big personality”.

Andrew Wadsworth, 36, of Cranfield Road, Hawkley Hall, is accused of killing Melissa.

The former cage fighter is further charged with the attempted murder of a man at the home, assaulting two police officers, issuing threats to kill and possession of a bladed weapon.

Wadsworth appeared via video link from prison for a brief hearing at Manchester Crown Court and was remanded in custody until another hearing at the same court on September 14, when it is expected he will enter his pleas.

A provisional trial date was set for November 16.

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