Devon & Cornwall police have confirmed that a local man in his 30s has been arrested in Dartmouth on suspicion of murder.

An investigation is now under way.

Police and paramedics were called at around 9.20pm on Tuesday 6 October to Newcomen Road.

Sadly, a woman in her 40s was pronounced deceased at the scene. Her next-of-kin have been informed.

A man in his 40s was also taken to hospital having sustained facial injuries which are not believed to be life-changing.

The suspect, who is a British national, remains in police custody while enquiries continue.

Officers are not looking for any outstanding suspects at this time.

A scene guard remains in place while investigations continue. A significant police presence will be seen in the local area, but police are treating this as an isolated incident.

Rumours had speculated of a separate incident near the Co-op on Fairfax Place involving a dog attack.

Police have confirmed there was no dog attack.

Officers said a dog had escaped from a property in the area and was subsequently caught by a member of the public. Police confirmed this was connected to the same incident.

Detective Inspector Guy Biggar from Devon & Cornwall Police Major Crime Investigation Team said: “We appreciate the concern this distressing incident may have caused with the local community but there is nothing to indicate a wider threat to the public.

“We would ask people not to speculate, particularly on social media, while we work to ascertain exactly what has happened. Our enquiries are at a very early stage, therefore it is too soon in the investigation to speculate on motivation.

“Our thoughts are with the family and friends who have lost a loved-one in tragic circumstances, and we will continue to support them through this difficult time.”

If you have any information or footage that could help with enquiries, please contact police via our website or by calling 101 quoting reference number 50260268774.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.