Kayleigh Smart, 39, has been charged with the murder of Liam Collier following a fatal stabbing in Haydock

A Liverpool community has been left devastated after the shocking death of Liam Collier, who was fatally stabbed in a house on Sherlock Avenue in Haydock. The woman accused of his murder, 39-year-old Kayleigh Smart, has now been formally charged, as grief ripples through the city.

Emergency services raced to the scene following reports of a violent incident at the residential address. Despite their rapid response, Collier could not be saved. Witnesses described a desperate struggle by paramedics to revive him in what quickly became a tragic and chaotic scene.

Smart appeared in Liverpool Magistrates’ Court wearing a grey sweatshirt and flanked by security officers. She spoke only to confirm her name, date of birth, and address. Given the severity of the charge, no bail application was made. The case has now been referred to Liverpool Crown Court for further hearings.

In the wake of Collier’s death, his grieving family issued a heartfelt public statement. Though brief, their words captured the depth of their anguish. “We are devastated by Liam’s death and ask for privacy as we try to process what has happened. He was loved deeply and will be missed always.”

Neighbours along Sherlock Avenue remain shaken. One resident recalled hearing sirens pierce the quiet night before seeing flashing blue lights flood the street. “There were police and ambulances everywhere,” they said. “We didn’t know what had happened, but it was clearly serious. Everyone’s been in shock since.”

The homicide investigation has revealed further complexities. A 40-year-old man, also arrested in connection with the incident, has been released on police bail as enquiries continue. Merseyside Police confirmed their ongoing efforts to establish the full circumstances surrounding the attack.

A spokesperson for the force commented, “We understand the concern this has caused in the local community. A dedicated team is working to uncover exactly what happened. We’re appealing to anyone with information to come forward—every detail could help.”

This tragedy has intensified calls from residents and councillors alike for more investment in community safety. Many now fear for the security of their neighbourhoods, with discussions around knife crime and domestic violence returning to the forefront of public debate.

Haydock, a quiet suburban area on the edge of Merseyside, is not typically associated with violent crime. But this incident has left many questioning the adequacy of current safety measures. Local authorities have pledged to work closely with police and support services to address growing fears.

“We must respond to this incident with compassion, but also action,” said one local councillor. “There’s a duty to ensure people feel safe in their homes. This heartbreaking loss should serve as a wake-up call.”

As the case progresses through the courts, attention will remain fixed on the details emerging from the investigation. The Crown Prosecution Service is expected to present its initial findings at the upcoming hearing, while forensic teams continue examining evidence from the scene.

Kayleigh Smart remains in custody. Her next court appearance is due at Liverpool Crown Court in the coming days, where a fuller picture of the case may begin to emerge.

For now, Sherlock Avenue stands in sombre silence—a street haunted by violence, mourning a man whose life was taken too soon.