A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a 74-year-old woman in Ludwell Valley Park, Wonford, Exeter. Emergency services were called to the scene at around 16:00 GMT on Saturday, but the woman sadly died at the scene. A man in his 30s from the Exmouth area was arrested by armed police on Exeter High Street shortly after 21:30 GMT.
Devon and Cornwall Police have stated that they do not know the motive for the attack and that they do not believe the suspect and woman knew each other. Officers believe they may have located the knife thought to have been used in the attack. Ch Supt Dan Evans has reassured people that this is an isolated incident and expressed his condolences to the victim’s family and loved ones.
The police have asked anyone with information to contact them and have set up a Major Incident Public Reporting page to allow people to submit files such as doorbell, CCTV and dashcam footage. Det Sgt Darren Campbell from the Major Crime Team said that there are still large parts of the day that need to be accounted for and asked for anyone with footage or information to submit it via the MIPP.
This tragic incident has shocked the close-knit community of Wonford and Devon and Cornwall Police are asking for anyone with information to come forward. The BBC has also asked for story ideas to be sent to spotlight@bbc.co.uk.