Woman's body found in house (From The Wiltshire Gazette and Herald)

Woman's body found in house

The house where the woman's body was found is cordoned off by police officersA MURDER investigation has been launched after a woman was found dead at a house in Swindon today.

Police discovered the body in a house in Lewis Close, Abbey Meads, in the early hours of this morning.

The house, as well as an area outside the North Swindon police station, near Asda-Walmart in the district centre, was cordoned off while officers searched for clues.

Detective Superintendent Paul Richards, of Swindon police, said a man had been arrested on suspicion of murder.

"At 5.53am this morning police found the body of a female," he said.

"A 47-year-old Swindon man has been arrested on suspicion of murder in Hertfordshire after police there received a phone call from him."

Det Spt Richards said clothing connected to the investigation had been recovered outside the police station but that it was too early to release further details.

He said he could not reveal how the woman, in her late 30s or early 40s, died.

There are 30 officers working on the case.

The woman's parents, who live locally, have been informed but officers are still trying to contact other members of the family.

Local residents have been asked not to empty their bins but police are not looking for a weapon in connection with the case.

The woman's next door neighbour Ken Mace, 32, said he did not hear anything during the night but woke up to find police outside.

"I went out and spoke to the policeman who said I couldn't go to work yet, " he said.

"I was shocked when I had heard what happened, it was a bit close to home. You never think this sort of thing will happen. I have never had police so close before, it's a bit unnerving."

Mr Mace said a woman and her son, thought to be aged between 12 and 14, lived at the house.

He said her boyfriend used to visit frequently and the couple drank regularly at the Manor Farm pub in Haydon Wick.

"She used to speak to my children and was a very friendly lady, " said Mr Mace. "I hope nothing has happened to the little boy."

Fay Dawson, 28, of Lewis Close, said she felt sick that a murder investigation had been launched.

"I was shocked to wake up to it this morning, " she said.

Susan Martin, 29, of Lewis Close, said: "Police were everywhere this morning. It was very scary."

Ben Payne