Man in his 30s is arrested on suspicion of murder after elderly woman was found dead in Exeter Park

A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of murder after an elderly woman was found dead in a park in Exeter.

The woman, who was in her 70s, was attacked in Ludwell Valley Park in Exeter at around 4pm today and her body was found by officers as they arrived at the scene.

Police later released a CCTV image of the suspect leaving the Wonford Sports Centre in Exeter at 3.14pm. 

Detectives warned the suspect could be ‘armed and dangerous’ as they urged the public to contact police if they see the man.

Following the police appeal, the suspect, who is in his 30s and from the Exmouth area, was arrested by armed officers outside the Yorkshire Building Society on Exeter high street at around 9.30pm on Saturday.  

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Police later released a CCTV image of the suspect leaving the Wonford Sports Centre in Exeter at 3.14pm. Following the police appeal, the suspect, who is in his 30s and from the Exmouth area, was arrested by armed officers outside the Yorkshire Building Society on Exeter high street at around 9.30pm on Saturday

The woman, who has not been named, was assaulted in Ludwell Valley Park in Exeter before being killed at around 4pm today. Pictured: Police officers at the scene

Superintendent Tom Holmes, said: ‘Whilst this is a positive update, a major response remains in place and our investigation into this murder continues.’

Police officers were called at around 4pm following reports that a woman had been sexually assaulted in the park. 

Emergency crews attended but the local woman, who is in her 70s, was found dead at the scene.

Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers. 

Superintendent Tom Holmes said: ‘Tonight we issued an image 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 on the identity of the suspect or the circumstances surrounding this matter.

‘A heightened police presence will remain across key areas of Exeter, including the Wonford area where a number of cordons remain in place. We are currently not looking for anyone else in connection to this offence.’

Supt Holmes added: ‘Even though we have a man in custody, this doesn’t mean that we are no longer appealing for information. It is vital that if you have any information relating to this incident, that you contact us immediately.

‘If you have yet to have spoken to us and have information that relates to this investigation, please call 999 quoting log number 600 18 February.

‘Our thoughts are with the family and the loved ones of the victim, and we will continue to do all we can to support them during this tragic time.’

Emergency crews attended but the local woman, who is in her 70s, was found dead at the scene