UPDATED WITH VIDEO: A flat in Newport has been cordoned off by Police this afternoon (Sunday) and is being treated as a crime scene.
Officers from Hampshire Constabulary were called to the property ‘Powell House’ on Barton Road at around 10:00 this morning alongside the Isle of Wight Ambulance Service, who are said to have left the scene a short while after.
According to local residents, around 7 Police units and several officers on foot have been at the property throughout the day. PCSOs have been conducting door to door enquiries.
The area surrounding the Spectrum Housing flat has been cordoned off and CID officers are standing by.
A local scenes of crime forensic officer has arrived at the scene on the corner of Robin Hood Street, however has not entered the property. It is believed officers may be waiting for the Hampshire Major Investigation Team (HMIT) from the mainland.
UPDATE @ 17:25 – Officers from the mainland have arrived at Barton Road this evening.
Two female forensic officers and a male local forensic officer have entered the property wearing protective suits to conduct a thorough investigation. A video has been recorded by the specialists of the route through the building from the outside.
Further door to door enquiries are taking place.
UPDATE @ 18:50 – Hampshire Constabulary have confirmed that a woman’s body has been found at the property on Barton Road. The discovery was made at around 12:40.
A 53-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the death and is helping officers with their enquiries. He is being questioned at nearby Newport Police Station.
An investigation has been launched.
UPDATE @ 20:15 – The body of the deceased female has been removed from the property tonight.
UPDATE MONDAY @ 14:10 – A 53-year-old male arrested yesterday in connection with the woman’s death remains in Police custody this afternoon.
Detectives have applied for an extension to keep the man in for questioning longer than the standard 24-hour period, an option only available for serious crimes.
The investigation into the circumstances of the woman’s death continues.
UPDATE TUESDAY @ 09:10 – Police have confirmed that the 53-year-old male, who hasn’t been named, has been released on bail until November.
The identity of the woman found inside the property on Barton Road is expected to be confirmed soon.
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