Woman in her 70s dies after attack in Exeter park as man arrested

A man has been arrested and a murder investigation launched after a woman in her 70s died after being attacked in a park in Exeter.

Police in Devon say they detained a man in the city centre around 9.30pm.

Officers were called at around 4pm on Saturday following reports of a woman having been seriously assaulted in Ludwell Valley Park, in the Wonford area of Exeter.

Emergency services attended but a local woman in her 70s was declared dead at the scene. Her next of kin have been informed.

Following the arrest, Superintendent Tom Holmes, said: “Whilst this is a positive update, a major response remains in place and our investigation into this murder continues.”

He added: “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.”