Police in Shropshire today launched two separate murder probes after two women were found dead at their homes.

The first murder investigation began when a woman in her 50s was found dead at a flat in Caradoc View, Hanwood, near Shrewsbury, at 6.40pm yesterday.

The woman was named locally as Jane Edwards who lived alone at the flat.

A man, also in his 50s, was arrested on suspicion of her murder at 5am today at a property in Stephenson Drive, Reabrook, Shrewsbury. He remained in police custody this afternoon.

The body of a woman in her 40s was then discovered at a house in Orchard Street, Oswestry, at 7pm.

The woman was named locally as shopworker Jillian Nevitt who lived with her partner Brian Woodmass.

A man in his 50s was arrested on suspicion of her murder and was being quizzed by detectives this afternoon.

Forensic teams remained at both properties as investigators scoured the homes for clues.

People who live in Hanwood said about 100 properties were cordoned off and the scene remained under police guard.

An elderly resident, who did not want to be named, said her neighbours were woken by police at 10.30pm carrying out door-to-door inquiries asking whether they had seen anything.

Residents in Stephenson Drive who watched the arrest in connection with the Hanwood death said a man had been arrested at gunpoint.

One neighbour, who did not want to be named, said: “We had armed police here at about 4.30am – they had their helmets and guns on and there were police dogs here.

“They knocked on the door of a house and the man came out, he dropped down to his knees straight away and put his hands up. They had guns pointing at him. He wasn’t armed.”

Detective Chief Inspector Neil Jamieson, leading the investigation, urged anyone who saw or heard anything suspicious up until about 3pm yesterday to get in touch.

Meanwhile residents living close to the murder scene in Oswestry spoke of their shock.

They described the victim as a “lovely woman” and “always friendly” who worked at Poundstretchers in the town.

Police officers remained on guard at the property, while a white forensic tent was put up in the front garden of the property.

The couple had lived at the town centre property for about four years.

Post mortem examinations were due to take place on both women in the next few days.

The coroner for Mid and North Shropshire Mr John Ellery has been informed about the deaths.

By Crime Correspondent Kirsty Smallman

Police activity at Caradoc View, Hanwood