'Truly heartbroken': Devastated friends pay tribute to mother and two children found dead

The woman in her 20s, named locally as Tiffany Stevens, was found by police at her home on Arthur Street at 3.50pm yesterday.

Her two children, three-year-old Casey and Darcey, one, were also found.

Floral tributes and cuddly toys have been placed outside the terraced property.

One card read: "To Tiff. Missing you already and I'm truly heartbroken. You and the girls are at peace."

Neighbour Annmarie Crossland, a good friend of Ms Stevens, said their children played together.

Annemarie, 36, called Ms Stevens a 'brilliant mum, friendly and nice to talk to.'

Police said an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the deaths is ongoing but they are not currently looking for anyone else.

They also said there is currently 'no evidence' that carbon monoxide poisoning was to blame for the deaths.

One resident 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."

Another resident, 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."

There is a small police presence on the street and a cordon is still in place towards the back of the property.

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.

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“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.”

Police are expected to be at the scene for two days carrying out investigations and it is thought post mortem examinations are currently being carried out.

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."

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.