A PRISON officer was found battered to death in her home.

Helen Lucas, 45, a warder at Risley Prison near Warrington, was discovered with serious head and neck injuries.

She was found upstairs at the house in Park Road, Golborne, Wigan, shortly after 12.10pm on Saturday.

She was taken to Wigan Royal Infirmary but was pronounced dead shortly after her arrival. Miss Lucas had been drinking with her partner, also a prison officer at Risley, at the Sir Charles Napier pub in High Street, Golborne, the previous evening.

Police believe the couple went to the pub on Friday evening but stayed for a lock-in and did not leave until 3.30am on Saturday.

It is understood the couple had been at the pub for a darts match as well as a drink.

Detective Supt. Geoff Wessell said: "The victim suffered serious injuries to her neck and head, either of which could have been fatal.

"We are satisfied that the injuries occurred within the walls of the house. There were no signs of a break-in. The house was secure.

"We would like to hear from anybody who saw Miss Lucas after they left the pub. We are also seeking anyone who saw other people in the vicinity of the pub and Park Road at around 3.30am on Saturday."

Miss Lucas was an only child and leaves an 87-year-old mother. A post-mortem examination revealed she died from trauma to her head and neck.

Mr Wessell said: "This is a tragic death of a popular woman. I would like to reassure the local public that I believe this is an isolated incident and we are doing all we can to find whoever is responsible.

"The murder investigation is at an early stage and I am trying to establish Helen's movements in the lead-up to her death.

"We believe she had been out in the Golborne area on Friday night and into the early hours of Saturday morning, and I would appeal to anyone who may have seen her to contact police.

"I am especially keen to hear from anyone that may have seen Helen walking home along Bridge Street to come forward."

A 35-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains in police custody.

Anyone with any information can call the Major Incident Team on 0161 856 2482 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.