A 25-YEAR-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter after a woman was found dead at a home yesterday afternoon.

A 53-year-old woman is said to have been found dead at the property, while another woman, 25, was arrested.

She remains in police custody for questioning on suspicion of manslaughter.

An investigation is currently underway, with a crime scene established at the property.

Police have urged anyone with information to come forward by calling 101 and quoting reference number 139239.

Residential street with parked cars.
Police were called to a property on Cornfield Road on Friday

A woman has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter following the sudden and tragic death of a 53-year-old woman at a residential property in what police are describing as a “deeply concerning” incident. Emergency services were called to the house, located on a quiet suburban street, shortly before 9:00 a.m. after receiving reports that a woman had been found unresponsive inside the home.

Paramedics from the local ambulance service arrived within minutes and attempted to revive the woman, but she was pronounced dead at the scene. The victim, whose identity has not yet been officially released, is believed to have lived at the address. Neighbors described her as a “quiet and kind-hearted person” who had lived on the street for several years.

Shortly after the discovery, police arrested a 25-year-old woman at the same property on suspicion of manslaughter. She was taken into custody for questioning as forensic officers arrived to begin a detailed examination of the scene. Detectives have launched an urgent investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the death, which they say is being treated as “suspicious but not premeditated.”

In a statement released by the local police force, Detective Inspector Claire Benson said: “We are in the very early stages of this investigation, and we are keeping an open mind as we piece together what has happened. A woman has tragically lost her life, and we are doing everything we can to establish the full facts. A 25-year-old woman has been arrested on suspicion of manslaughter and remains in custody. We are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”

Officers cordoned off the semi-detached house, placing police tape around the front garden and positioning a patrol car outside as uniformed officers stood guard. Forensic teams in white suits were seen entering the property with evidence bags and photography equipment, suggesting a detailed examination was underway inside.

The residential area, typically quiet and family-oriented, has been rocked by the news. Many locals expressed shock at seeing such a large police presence on their normally peaceful street. “We woke up to sirens and saw two ambulances and several police cars,” said one neighbor. “We had no idea what was going on, and then we heard someone had died. It’s heartbreaking.”

Another resident, who knew the deceased, described her as “a gentle woman who wouldn’t hurt a soul” and said she was “devastated” to learn of her passing. She added that the arrested woman had been seen at the property multiple times in recent months, but few people knew much about her. “There were never any problems here, at least none that we saw,” she said. “It’s just a complete shock.”

The relationship between the two women has not yet been confirmed by police, but several neighbors have speculated they may have been related or that the younger woman was staying at the house for a time. Investigators have not ruled out the possibility of a domestic incident but are waiting for further forensic results and witness statements before drawing any conclusions.

The local coroner has been notified, and a post-mortem examination will be carried out to establish the exact cause of death. Police have stated that the outcome of the autopsy will be central to determining the direction of the investigation, particularly whether charges will be escalated or modified.

Manslaughter, unlike murder, refers to an unlawful killing without premeditation or intent to kill. It can involve negligence, recklessness, or an altercation that leads to an unintended death. While police have not commented on the suspected manner of the woman’s death, the charge of manslaughter suggests investigators believe an unlawful act occurred, but not one planned or calculated.

Friends and family of the deceased have begun posting tributes online, describing her as “loving,” “warm,” and “someone who always put others first.” One relative wrote: “We are shattered. We loved her more than words can say. Please keep our family in your thoughts as we try to understand how this has happened.”

The tragic case comes amid broader discussions around mental health, domestic safety, and the often hidden dangers that can exist within homes. Advocacy groups have called for increased support for those living in vulnerable situations, especially women over 50 who may face isolation or strained family dynamics that go unnoticed until it’s too late.

Local authorities have expressed their condolences and urged the public not to jump to conclusions. A spokesperson from the local council said: “We are supporting police in any way we can and are working with local partners to ensure the community receives any help or support they may need in the wake of this shocking event.”

The police have also urged the public to avoid speculation on social media, warning that it could hinder the investigation. “We understand people want answers, but it’s important we allow detectives the space to do their work. This is a live case with a grieving family involved. Please respect that,” Detective Inspector Benson added.

The 25-year-old suspect remains in custody at a local police station. Under law, she can be held for up to 24 hours before police must either charge her, release her, or apply for an extension from a magistrate. Investigators have confirmed that they are working to establish a detailed timeline of the events leading up to the death, including phone records, any prior police calls to the address, and statements from those who may have had recent contact with either woman.

As the forensic teams continue their work inside the home, the quiet street remains cordoned off. Residents walk by slowly, some pausing to leave flowers by the gate, others simply staring in disbelief at the home that has now become the focus of a homicide inquiry.

The community now waits for answers. What happened inside that house? Was it an accident? A confrontation that spiraled out of control? Or something else entirely?

For now, only the investigators — and perhaps the young woman in custody — know the full story. As the police gather evidence and the family mourns, one thing is clear: the tragedy inside that house has left a lasting scar on a community unprepared for such heartbreak.

More updates are expected in the coming days as police await the results of the post-mortem and consider next steps in the case. Until then, a woman is dead, another is in custody, and an entire street is left with only questions.