Police launch murder investigation into death of woman in East Ashling (From The Argus)

Police launch murder investigation into death of woman in East Ashling

7:11am Tuesday 29th January 2013 in News

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after the body of a woman was found by a friend who had come to pick her up for work.

A 44-year-old woman was found dead in her home in Cherry Tree Cottage on the B2178 road through East Ashling near Chichester at just before 8am yesterday by ambulance personnel.

Police officers were called to the property following a report by a colleague who had arrived to take her to work.

A 45-year-old man from Selsey, who was known to the woman, was arrested last night on suspicion of her murder and remained in custody overnight.

Detective Chief Inspector Ian Pollard from the Surrey and Sussex Major Crime Team, who is leading the investigation, said: "While initially it was thought that we were dealing with a sudden death, officers became increasingly suspicious of the circumstances.

“As yet, the cause of her death is unexplained and we are awaiting the results of a post mortem that will take place on Tuesday.

“However, our enquiries lead us to believe that this was not a natural death and a murder enquiry has been launched."

Do you know the woman? Leave your tributes below or contact Neil Vowles on 01273 544530 or email neil.vowles@theargus.co.uk.