Woman is ‘killed in front of a number of children at house, leaving kids horrified’

• Police attended a property in Wedmore Close in Kingswood yesterday afternoon

By Katherine Lawton[1]

Published: 18:45, 21 November 2023 | Updated: 18:45, 21 November 2023

Murder detectives have arrested a man after a woman was killed in front of a 'number of children', leaving them 'distressed'.

Police attended a property in Wedmore Close in Kingswood, South Gloucestershire, at around 3.50pm yesterday following a report of a serious assault.

They discovered a woman with significant injuries who died around half an hour later despite receiving CPR.

A 43-year-old man, who was known to the victim, was arrested from within the property on suspicion of murder.

He is due to be assessed by health professionals before being questioned by detectives.

Police said a number of children were left horrified at witnessing the tragedy inside the home.

Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Dan Forster said: 'Tragically, there were a number of children inside the property at the time of the incident and while thankfully they weren't hurt, there are understandably distressed at what has happened.

The scene in Kingswood, South Gloucestershire, where a woman died in front of a 'number of children'

Police attended a property in Wedmore Close in Kingswood at around 3.50pm yesterday following a report of a serious assault

'I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to them and the victim's wider family during what is undoubtedly a very difficult time.

'The children are currently being looked after by a family member and specially trained officers will provide them with support.'

Police said a forensic post-mortem examination is due to take place today to try to determine her cause of death.

While formal identification has not yet taken place, the victim's next of kin has been informed and are being provided with support by specialist family liaison officers.

Chief Inspector Forster added: 'Our Major Crime Investigation Team will carry out a full investigation into what happened.

At this time, the incident is being treated as an isolated one involving people known to each other.

A cordon was put in place to protect the scene and to allow investigators to carry out a forensic examination

'A cordon is currently in place to protect the scene and to allow crime scene investigators to carry out a forensic examination of it.

'Residents of Wedmore Close can expect this cordon to be in place for at least a couple of days as all the necessary inquiries are completed.

'To provide reassurance to them, and the wider community, neighbourhood officers will be carrying out increased patrols in the area over the coming days.

'Incidents like this are very rare but when they do happen, we know they cause significant concern so we'd urge anyone with worries or questions to speak to an officer or contact their local neighbourhood policing team.'

Avon and Somerset Police said its Professional Standards Department has been notified and a mandatory referral will be made to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to review the circumstances of its response to this incident.

References

1. ^ Katherine Lawton (www.dailymail.co.uk)