Chesterfield murder suspect remains in custody after body of Preston woman found

Detectives investigating the suspicious death of a woman in Preston detained a 26-year-old man from Chesterfield on suspicion of murder yesterday afternoon (February 17).

Lancashire Police have confirmed that a custody extension has been approved and that he remains in police custody at this time.

Officers attended an address on Fir Trees Avenue, in the Grange area of the city, after receiving a concern for welfare report at around 11pm on Sunday (February 16).

When police arrived at the scene the body of a woman was found at the address.

Lancashire Police have launched an investigation and are currently treating her death as suspicious.

Chief Insp Pauline Stables, of Lancashire Police, said: “First and foremost our thoughts are with the victim’s family and friends, who are being supported by specially-trained officers at this incredibly difficult time.

“Our investigation is very much under way and we have this afternoon made an arrest.

"At this time we believe the victim and the arrested man may have been known to each other."

Two police cars, one police van and two CSI vans attended the property yesterday afternoon (February 17).

A forensic tent was set up outside the address and forensic officers could be seen entering the property.

Police confirmed yesterday (February 17) that formal identification had not yet taken place, but believe the body to be that of a woman aged in her 20s.

Officers say a post-mortem will take place in due course to establish the cause of her death.

Anyone with information is being urged to get in touch with police as soon as possible on 101, quoting log number 1569 of February 15.