Man, 74, arrested over woman's murder in Market Drayton

The elderly woman, named as Beatrice Bennett, was found by police officers at an address in Millfield Drive, Market Drayton, at about 8.20am.

Police are continuing to hold a 74-year-old man on suspicion of murder and said no one else is believed to have been involved.

The body is yet to be formally identified but police believe that it is 75-year-old Beatrice Margaret Bennett.

A post mortem is due to be carried out be a Home Office pathologist tonight.

The house was cordoned off today for forensic examination as police inquiries continue.

Richard Ewels, a West Mercia Police spokesman, said: "A 74-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery of a woman's body at a house in Market Drayton.

"He has been taken into custody at Shrewsbury police station. No-one else is believed to be involved."

Shropshire coroner Mr John Ellery has been informed.

People in a Market Drayton today spoke of their shock over the a murder inquiry.

Homeowners in Millfield Drive woke up to a hive of police activity in the quiet cul-de-sac today.

Paul Dawson was one of many residents in the cul-de-sac to speak of his shock.

He said: "Everyone here seems like quite normal, quiet, people.

"I'm amazed if this is true. It's just not possible, somewhere like this. I'm just gobsmacked."

Mr Dawson said he was incredibly upset by the news and couldn't understand how it had happened.

He said: "It's very concerning that something like that can happen just round the corner. I just don't believe it at all really. I don't quite know what to think."

James Mullineaux, a retired police officer, said the area is home to mainly elderly couples or families.

He said: "It's such a quiet area. Most people here are retired. You don't expect it.

"I don't know what's happened, or much more information, but it's very sad news."

Another nearby resident, Roy Hudson, said: "No-one's really talking about it yet, I don't think people know what's going on."

He added: "I'd be very surprised if it really was a murder. My wife was really upset and surprised, too. I don't know many people that end, but we know a lot of people the other side of the cul-de-sac and you just know no-one could do something like that."

Three forensic vans were on hand at the scene, along with two police cars. A community support officer was also present to address any neighbours' concerns while forensic investigations were carried out.

Police believed they would be at the scene for most of the day as inquiries continued.