Six held over park stabbing death

Detectives say they are confident the area is safe for people

Six people are being held on suspicion of murder after a woman was found stabbed to death in a Lancashire park.

The victim, 18, was found with multiple knife and head wounds in Towneley Park, Burnley, in the early hours.

Det Ch Insp Mark Gray, who is leading the investigation, said the victim had suffered "significant and horrific" knife injuries.

Five males, aged between 17 and 22, and a 19-year-old woman have been arrested and are awaiting questioning.

Police found the woman after being called to the park at 0140 BST on Tuesday.

Attempts were made to resuscitate her but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

'Known associates'

A post-mortem examination will take place later.

All of the suspects are being held at Burnley police station for questioning and Mr Gray said he was not looking for anyone else over the death.

"I'm very confident it's not a stranger attack. The people we have in custody are known associates of the victim," he told the BBC.

"While we are yet to interview them, from the inquiries we did conduct during the night which led to their arrest I do believe we will get an explanation.

"I would confidently reassure people in the area that they are safe to come out and visit and walk their dogs as they normally do."