Body in alleyway sparks murder inquiry

Police launched a murder inquiry after the body of a woman was discovered in an alleyway.

The victim, who has yet to be formally identified, was found dead in the St Ann's area of Nottingham at about 8.45am yesterday by a resident.

House-to-house inquiries were being conducted in and around Thorneywood Mount, where the body was found between two houses, and officers are also studying CCTV footage from the surrounding area.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Tony Heydon of Nottinghamshire Police said: "A team of detectives are working on this inquiry, which we are now treating as the murder of a young woman.

"I am appealing for anyone who thinks they may have seen her during the night to contact us immediately."

The white woman was in her mid-20s with shoulder-length auburn hair, and was wearing blue jeans with a brown belt, a pink T-shirt with "FCUK" printed in black on the front, and pink-and-white trainers.

Officers have undertaken extensive searches of bins and front and back gardens in and around Thorneywood Mount and a cordon put in place around the area has now been lifted.

A post-mortem examination to establish the cause of death has yet to take place.

Anyone who believes they may have seen a woman fitting the description given by police, or anyone with further information which could be linked to the incident, is asked to contact the inquiry's incident room on 0115 844 5020 or the Crimestoppers service on 0800 555 111.

PA