A tragic incident has cast a shadow over Christmas in a Wiltshire market town, where an elderly woman was found dead in her home on Christmas morning.
Christmas Morning Emergency Call
Emergency services were called to a property on Keepers Road in Devizes at approximately 8.10am on December 25th. Wiltshire Police and the South Western Ambulance Service attended the scene, where they discovered an assaulted woman in her eighties.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the pensioner was pronounced dead at the scene. Officers are currently working to formally identify the victim and locate her next of kin.
Suspect Known to Victim
Police have confirmed that a 63-year-old woman, who was known to the deceased, has been arrested on suspicion of murder. The suspect was also taken to hospital for treatment of injuries that are not believed to be life-threatening.
Detective Inspector Alan Smith, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, stated: 'We have arrested a woman who is known to the victim and I can confirm we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.'
Ongoing Investigation and Community Reassurance
A police cordon remains in place at the flat and is expected to stay throughout Boxing Day as forensic examinations and house-to-house enquiries continue. Detectives have stated this is an isolated incident and they are not seeking any other individuals.
DI Smith added: 'This is a tragic incident in which an elderly woman has lost her life on Christmas Day... Local residents will see an increased policing presence over the coming days. If you have any concerns, or you have any information, please don't hesitate to speak to one of our officers.'
The investigation is being treated as a murder enquiry, with the Major Crime Investigation Team leading the urgent probe into the circumstances surrounding the elderly woman's death.
