Murder probe after woman's body found in Tipton

A murder investigation was launched today after a woman's body was found at a flat in Tipton.

A 27-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder. Police were called to the flat yesterday evening and discovered the body of the woman inside.

She was pronounced dead at the scene in Grace Road.

Click on the image on the right to see more pictures from the scene.

The suspect was later arrested at a railway station in Bristol and was today being returned to the Midlands to be questioned by detectives.

A police cordon has been put in place around the two-storey block of flats and an officer was standing guard. Police were also carrying out door-to-door inquiries.

Det Insp Andy Hawkins, from the force criminal investigation department, said: "We are still in the process of identifying the young woman and as part of our investigation we will be speaking to people in the local area to Grace Road.

"Forensic inquiries are being made at the property today and we urge anyone who has information about what has happened to come forward to speak to us at their earliest opportunity."

A post mortem examination is now due to take place to establish the cause of death.

Neighbours today spoke of their shock at the news.

Jason Croft, aged 22, from Princes End in Tipton was visiting his cousin who lives in the building last night.

He said: "The police came around 8pm and said there had been a serious incident but they haven't told us anything else.

"We now have to sign in and out of the flat and have been told to give statements.

"It is very upsetting for something like this to happen so close to him. I am really shocked, I didn't expect this to happen."

One 81-year-old resident, who has lived on the road for 50 years, added: "I only knew something was happening when my daughter came round at about 8pm, she said the road had been closed and there were lots of police cars.

"The block used to be full of old people, retirement flats, but I think they stopped that.

"I've lived here for 50 years and there has never been anything like this before."

Anyone with information should contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.