Jane Clough was found by police in the staff car park of the hospital shortly before 8.30pm on Sunday after they were called to a report of a woman being attacked.

The 26-year-old, who was from Barrowford in Nelson but is thought to have grown up in the Central Lancashire area, had been stabbed.

She was taken to the Accident and Emergency Department but sadly died.

A post mortem examination to establish the cause of death is due to take place on Monday.

A 30-year-old man from Preston was arrested on suspicion of murder in Barrowford this morning and is currently in police custody.

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Esseen, who is leading the investigation, said: "This is a tragic incident and our thoughts are with Jane Clough's family who are being supported by specially trained officers.

"There is a dedicated team of detectives working on this case and we are following up a number of lines of enquiry. However, I would like to appeal to anybody who has information they think may help with this investigation to contact police."

Anybody with any information should contact police on 01253 293933 or call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

* Did you know where Jane Clough was from? Tributes can be sent to christopher.maguire@lep.co.uk