Exeter murder investigation latest – what we know so far
A murder investigation is underway after a woman in her 70s was found stabbed to death in a public park. Paramedics were called at around 4pm on Saturday (February 18) at Ludwell Valley Park in the Wonford area of Exeter.
The woman was pronounced dead at the scene. She was identified by police and her next of kin were informed of her death. Devon and Cornwall Police Special Officers are assisting them.
Area cordons include one at Wonford Sports Centre. When the body was found, a large number of police vehicles and officers were seen, with a manhunt quickly taking shape, DevonLive reported.
Crime scene investigators in white overalls worked at the crime scene. A CCTV image of a man was released by investigators as police say they believe he may have important information about what they believed was an alleged murder.
The picture, taken outside Wonford Sports Center at 3.17pm, was released as police warned the public not to approach him as he “could be armed and dangerous”. Just after 9.30pm, armed officers arrested a man in his 30s outside the Yorkshire Building Society on Exeter High Street.
Chief Superintendent Dan Evans of Devon and Cornwall Police said: “Following a police appeal, an off-duty police officer spotted the suspect in the High Street, Exeter last night. The suspect was safely arrested by armed officers outside the Yorkshire Building Society on Exeter High Street just after 9.30pm on Saturday 18 February.
“A 30-year-old man from the Exmouth area has been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody and at this time we do not know the motive for the attack. We do not currently believe the victim and suspect are known to each other and we are not currently seeking anyone in connection with this murder, which is being treated as an isolated case.”
Chief Supt Evans added: “We are still searching the Wonford area as part of our investigation. We believe we may have found the knife believed to have been used in the attack and retrieve it as we speak. There will be an increased police presence in Exeter and in the Wonford area in particular and it is important that anyone with information gets in touch with us immediately through our call center or by speaking to an officer close to the crime scene.
“Although this type of incident is very rare, Wonford is a very close-knit community and I know this death will be deeply felt by all who live in the area. An enhanced police response will remain in the area for the foreseeable future as our investigation continues and my thoughts are with the victim’s family and loved ones at this tragic time.”
If you have not yet spoken to police and have any information regarding this investigation, please call 101 on February 18 and quote log number 600.
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, while a mother told DevonLive she is now afraid to let her children play outside or go to school.