Man arrested in murder investigation after woman found dead in Dartmouth

A murder investigation has been launched following the death of a woman in Devon.

Devon and Cornwall Police said officers and paramedics were called to Newcomen Road, Dartmouth at about 9.20pm on Tuesday following reports of a man creating a disturbance at a property.

A woman in her 40s was pronounced dead at the scene, while a man in his 40s was taken to hospital with facial injuries which are not believed to be life-changing.

Police said a local man in his 30s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder.

The suspect, who is a British national, remains in police custody while enquiries continue.

Officers are not currently searching for any outstanding suspects in connection with the woman’s death.

Detective Inspector Guy Biggar from Devon and Cornwall Police’s Major Crime Investigation Team said a scene guard remains in place while investigations continue.

He said: “We appreciate the concern this distressing incident may have caused with the local community but there is nothing to indicate a wider threat to the public.

“We would ask people not to speculate, particularly on social media, while we work to ascertain exactly what has happened.

“Our enquiries are at a very early stage, therefore it is too soon in the investigation to speculate on motivation.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends who have lost a loved-one in tragic circumstances, and we will continue to support them through this difficult time.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact police via the Devon and Cornwall Police website or by calling 101 and quoting reference number 50260268774.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.