Murder investigation after woman dies in Kingswood
Avon and Somerset Police were called out to a property in Wedmore Close at around 3.50pm yesterday (November 20) after a report of a serious assault
Last updated 21st Nov 2023
Avon and Somerset Police have launched a murder investigation after a woman died yesterday (November 20) in Kingswood, South Gloucestershire.
It happened on Wedmore Close at about 15:50, when police were called out to a report of a serious assault.
However, when officers arrived, they found a woman with injuries, which they have called 'significant'.
Officers then carried out CPR at the scene, and paramedics were called out, but she was pronounced dead at about 16:30.
There were young people inside the house at the time of the incident, and police have confirmed they range in age from 3 to their early teens.
A forensic post-mortem examination is due to take place today to try to determine her cause of death.
She's not yet been formally identified, but her next of kin has been informed. They are being provided with support by specialist family liaison officers.
A 43-year-old man was arrested from within the property on suspicion of murder, and he is due to be assessed by health professionals before being questioned by detectives.
'A number' of children inside the house
Neighbourhood Policing Chief Inspector Dan Forster said: "Tragically, there were a number of children inside the property at the time of the incident and while thankfully they weren’t hurt, there are understandably distressed at what has happened.
“I would like to express my heartfelt condolences to them and the victim's wider family during what is undoubtedly a very difficult time.
“The children are currently being looked after by a family member and specially trained officers will provide them with support.”
He added: “Our Major Crime Investigation Team will carry out a full investigation into what happened. At this time, the incident is being treated as an isolated one involving people known to each other.
“A cordon is currently in place to protect the scene and to allow crime scene investigators to carry out a forensic examination of it.
"Residents of Wedmore Close can expect this cordon to be in place for at least a couple of days as all the necessary inquiries are completed.
“To provide reassurance to them, and the wider community, neighbourhood officers will be carrying out increased patrols in the area over the coming days.
“Incidents like this are very rare but when they do happen, we know they cause significant concern so we’d urge anyone with worries or questions to speak to an officer or contact their local neighbourhood policing team.”
Avon and Somerset Police have confirmed their Professional Standards Department has been notified.
They have also made a mandatory referral to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) to review the circumstances of our response to this incident.