Man held on suspicion of arson and murder in Sidmouth, Devon after body of woman found

Victim’s death is being treated as ‘unexplained’

A police cordon (Getty Images)

Police have arrested a local man on suspicion of arson and murder after the body of a woman in her 30s as found in Sidmouth, Devon in the early hours of Sunday.

The victim’s death is being treated as unexplained “and enquiries are ongoing to establish the circumstances,” said Devon and Cornwall Police.

Emergency services were called to the village of Colaton Raleigh shortly after 1am on Sunday (11 April) where it was reported that a shed, a fence and other garden furniture were on fire.

The fire was put out but police found “a woman in her 30s inside the property” and she was confirmed dead.

“Efforts are ongoing to locate and inform her next of kin,” police said in a statement.

“A 56-year-old man from Sidmouth has been arrested on suspicion of arson and murder. He remains in police custody at this time.”

Anyone with information and anyone witnessed the incident is asked to contact police on 101 quoting log 44 of 11 April.