Woman in her 30s found dead and man arrested at home on suspicion of murder as cops refer probe to police watchdog

DETECTIVES have arrested a man after launching a murder investigation into a woman’s death. 

Emergency services rushed to the scene in Portishead, Bristol, at around 10pm yesterday evening. 

Officers have remained on the scene after arresting a man on suspicion of murder at the property, who remains in custody. 

A woman, in her 30s, was discovered at a property on Paper Mill Gardens, and a cause of death has yet to be given.  

A cordon remains in place around a block of flats at the scene, with officers stationed nearby.

Officers have referred the case to the independent policing watchdog over previous contact with the family.

Somerset Area Commander Dickon Turner, said: “The ambulance service had been called to this address and sadly on attendance we found a woman in her 30s had died.

“It’s too early to say how she’s died. An IOPC referral has been made, but it’s far too early to speculate about the previous police contact with this family.

“Our major crime team are in investigating the incident. We have a man in custody.

“But at this time it’s too early to speculate about what happened. We’re very much keeping an open mind.

“They’ll be a full investigation including forensics but I think the most important thing we do first is the post-mortem.

“The full background about the location and the family, the individuals involved, will obviously form a part of our investigation.

“Anything we need to do to reassure the neighbours and the public in Portishead, we’ll do.

“There’s a family liaison officer supporting the family.”

A spokesman for Avon and Somerset Police added: “A man is in police custody following his arrest on suspicion of murder following the death of a woman at a property in Paper Mill Gardens, Portishead on Wednesday 29 September.

“The cause of death is currently unconfirmed but a man was detained at the property and remains in police custody today, Thursday 30 September.

“House to house enquiries have been carried out and investigations are expected to continue at the address today.

“While formal identification is yet to be completed, family members are aware of the woman’s death and will be supported by specially-trained liaison officers. Our thoughts are with them at this awful time.”