Murder investigation launched in South Wales after officers discover 47-year-old woman's body

50-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident remains in custody

50-year-old man arrested in connection with the incident remains in custody (Getty Images)

A murder investigation has been launched in Wales after a woman's body was found yesterday afternoon.

A 50-year-old man has been arrested in connection with the incident in Pontypridd. He remains in custody and is assisting police with their inquiries.

The 47-year-old woman's body was discovered by a South Wales police officer yesterday in Andrews Court, Rickards Street, Craig, at around 3pm.

The woman, believed to be from the local Pontypridd area, was last seen by her family at around 12.45pm on Tuesday night. Her family reported her missing the following day.

The area, near the small town’s train station and Pontypridd Rugby and Football Club, remains cordoned off as officers continue their investigation.

Other areas of the town, roughly 12 miles west of Cardiff, have been cordoned off.

Detective Superintendent Paul Hurley said: "We would like to speak to anybody who thinks they may have information that can help our investigation. No matter how insignificant the information may seem, we would like people to contact us.

"In particular, we want to speak to anyone who noticed anything suspicious in the vicinity of Andrews Court, Rickards Street, were the body was found, and also to anyone who may have seen something suspicious near the rugby ground on Sardis Road in the past couple of days."

In a statement released yesterday, Pontypridd Rugby and Football Club said: “Supporters, partners and neighbours of Pontypridd RFC are advised that the Sardis Road stadium is currently not accessible. This is due to a police investigation into a major incident in the vicinity.

"The club will keep all concerned informed regarding access to the Sardis Road stadium as further information is received from the relevant authorities."