A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman’s body was discovered in a village.

North Yorkshire Police was called to a house in Cawood, near Selby, in the early hours of Monday, where officers found the body of a woman. 

The deceased has not yet been identified by police, as officers are attempting to find her next of kin.

Detective Inspector Steve Menzies, of the North Yorkshire Police Major Investigation Team, said a 49-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder almost 150 miles away in the Hawkshead area of Cumbria, at just before 2am on Monday.

Two properties in the village were cordoned off by police throughout Monday, with forensic officers in attendance at points during the day. 

Officers were seen making door to door inquiries and searching gardens, bins, hedges and open spaces “for discarded items”, but would not specify what exactly they hoped to find.

Marjorie Reddall, who lives nearby, said: “It’s a bit distressing, actually. 

“I’ve been round to some of the older residents in the complex to make sure they’re alright. Police are talking to people now.”

Parish councillor Ron Wharmby said residents were saddened by the news, and offered his thoughts to the woman’s family.

He said: “Its rather upsetting for the village. We don’t know who it is yet. 

“Obviously, our thoughts are with everyone involved and our condolences go to the lady’s family. Everyone is just shocked.”

One resident, who asked not to be named, said she was woken up by the sound of a door being broken down by police at about 3am.

She said: “I heard an almighty smash. Everyone came out into the street saying ‘what the hell’. 

“Police told us we were safe but to go back indoors and we would find out tomorrow what had happened.

“It’s not your everyday occurrence, it’s shocking the whole village. It’s a very close community. I’ve had a lot of people contact me because they know I live nearby.”

The woman said residents in the village had been talking about the incident throughout the day, and a village group on social media had been updated with messages of support for the victim, her family, and residents who were concerned.

She said: “I’m in shock. 

“No-one in their right minds would have guessed that would happen, and in this sort of village, it’s the last thing you expect to happen.”

Det Insp Menzies said a 49-year-old man remained in custody, and urged anyone with information which could assist the investigation to contact North Yorkshire Police on 101, quoting reference number 12180037718.