Exeter murder investigation latest as police hold Devon man
A man arrested on suspicion of murdering a woman in her 70s in an Exeter park on Saturday afternoon remains in custody, police confirmed this morning.
The 30-year-old Exmouth-area man was arrested around 9.30pm in the town center by armed officers following an investigation by homicide detectives. The inquest began after the body of a woman was found in Ludwell Valley Park in the Wonford area of Exeter around 4pm on Saturday. Paramedics were initially called to the scene, but the woman was pronounced dead.
Devon and Cornwall Police have not yet confirmed the nature of the woman’s injuries or whether any weapons were confiscated.
A press conference will be held at 11am today and police are expected to give more information about the crime and the woman, as well as requesting more information from the public.
Last night, lead investigating officer Supt Tom Holmes said the public could expect an “increased police presence” in key areas of Exeter, including the Wonford area where a number of cordons remain in place. He added that police are “not currently looking for anyone in connection with this crime”.
Follow the live blog below for the latest updates
10:12Sarah Elme
What we know this morning
Police are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in her 70s in the Wonford area of Exeter yesterday afternoon.
Police currently have in police custody a 30-year-old man from the Exmouth area who has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is awaiting questioning.
10:09 a.mSarah Elme
Crime scene video
10:07Sarah Elme
Murder Arrest in Exeter Park – Pictures from the scene of a woman’s tragic death
More pictures
10:06Sarah Elme
what you need to know
Where in Exeter did the incident take place?
The woman was found in Ludwell Valley Park in the Wonford area of Exeter. Emergency services were present but a local woman in her 70s was pronounced dead at the scene.
Where was a man arrested?
Police cordoned off part of North Street and Fore Street in Exeter and a man was arrested outside the Yorkshire Building Society on Exeter High Street.
Eyewitness Response to Exeter Murder Inquiry
Residents spoke of their shock and fear after a woman was found dead in their neighborhood in Exeter, sparking a major murder investigation. Locals said the speculation, police presence and urgent manhunt have them fearing for their children.
One mum told DevonLive she is now afraid to let her children play outside or go to school. Read more here.
How can I get more information?
Here you can review everything that happened. Here you can summarize our live blog.
Will more updates be released today?
DevonLive will cover any updates issued by Devon and Cornwall Police today and any further updates will be posted on our home page. We will report on the press conference at 11am and updates will be posted on our Facebook page.
10:05Sarah Elme
Do you have any information that could help the police?
Anyone with information can contact the police on 101 or email [email protected] quoting log number 600 dated 18.2.2023. Alternatively, call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111
10:05Sarah Elme
“An increased police presence will remain” – statement by Supt Tom Holmes on Saturday night
While this is a positive update, a large response remains and our investigation into this murder continues.
Tonight we put out a picture of a man we needed to identify. Now that we have a man in custody, we no longer need the public to share this appeal; Please do not speculate as to the suspect’s identity or the circumstances of this matter.
An increased police presence will remain in key areas of Exeter, including the Wonford area where a number of cordons will remain in place. We are not currently seeking anyone in connection with this crime.
Just because we have a man in custody doesn’t mean we stop asking for more information. It is important that you contact us immediately if you have any information about this incident.
If you have not spoken to us yet and have information regarding this investigation, please call 999 and quote log number 600 dated February 18.
“Our thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim and we will continue to do everything we can to support them at this tragic time.”