Four questioned on cyclist murder

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Police are continuing to question four women on suspicion of murder after a cyclist was stabbed to death in a targeted attack.

The 26-year-old woman victim was riding her bike in Anfield in Liverpool when a car pulled up beside her and an argument broke out.

The car followed her and two passengers got out and stabbed her.

Merseyside police have arrested four women, two 25-year-olds, a 19-year-old and a 48-year-old.

Police said the initial row was in Whitfield Road, and the woman was stabbed in the chest in nearby Woodville Terrace.

The incident is not believed to be traffic-related and was not random, police said.

'Vicious and brutal'

Ambulance crews attended but the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

Merseyside Police said they believed they knew who the victim was, but have not officially identified her.

In a bid to reassure the local community, officers stepped up their high visibility patrols in the area.

Det Ch Insp Richie Davies of Merseyside Police described the stabbing as "vicious and brutal".

He added: "I would appeal to anyone who witnessed this attack, or who has any information which could help us with our inquiries to contact the police as soon as possible."

Officers are particularly keen to speak to anyone who saw a small, dark car in the area on Friday night.