Detectives have launched a murder investigation after a woman in her 50s was found dead at a flat in Abingdon.

Police, paramedics and a forensics officer were called to Spenlove Close, off Dunmore Road, yesterday shortly before 3pm.

Last night officers were guarding a block of flats in the corner of the close while a forensics officer was inside.

READ MORE: Police and forensics swarm town street

Today Thames Valley Police confirmed it has launched a murder investigation.

A 50-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. 

A force spokesperson Kieren Bushnell said: "Thames Valley Police was called by South Central Ambulance Service to a property in Spenlove Close, Abingdon, at just before 2.50pm on Thursday afternoon.

Oxford Mail: A forensics officer in Spenlove Close"Sadly, a woman aged in her fifties was declared deceased at the scene, despite the best efforts of paramedics. 

READ MORE: Abingdon 'murder' probe as woman found dead

"The woman’s death is being treated as unexplained and a 50-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody at this time."

Local Policing Area Commander for South Oxfordshire & Vale of White Horse, Supt Lewis Prescott-Mayling, said: “Although a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder at this time, we would like to reiterate that the woman’s death is being treated as unexplained.

“I appreciate the concern this may cause in the local community, but I would urge people not to speculate as to the circumstances while our investigation is under way.

“We are confident that there is not any risk to the wider community and we are not looking for anybody else in connection with this incident.

“There will be officers remaining at the location in the coming days while our investigation continues.”

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About the author 

Andy is the Trade and Tourism reporter for the Oxford Mail and you can sign up to his newsletters for free here. 

He joined the team more than 20 years ago and he covers community news across Oxfordshire.

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