Police identify Somercotes murder victim

Jia Ashton was last seen leaving work at Thornton's on Thursday

A 25-year-old woman found murdered in woodland near an industrial estate in Derbyshire has been named by police.

Jia Ashton's body was found close to the estate on Wimsey Way, Somercotes - near Alfreton - at about 1630 GMT on Sunday.

Results of a post-mortem examination revealed Mrs Ashton died as a result of an assault.

Magistrates have granted police extra time to question a 26-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder.

'Tragic end'

Derbyshire Police said Mrs Ashton had been reported missing on Friday evening by her husband.

Her body was found by Derby Mountain Rescue volunteers and a search dog in Sleetmoor Woods.

Police said there was no evidence a weapon had been used and there was no apparent sexual assault.

The area where the body was found has been cordoned off for forensic examination.

Det Supt Terry Branson, who is leading the investigation, said: "The main focus of our investigation at the moment is around what happened to Mrs Ashton after she left work on Thursday.

"We know she left work at Thornton's just after 5pm but we have no positive sightings of her after that time.

"It is really important that we trace her movements so we can piece together what happened to her and how she met such a tragic end."