Exeter: Man held over murder of woman in Ludwell Valley Park

Police have cordoned off the area where a man was arrested outside Yorkshire Building Society

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a woman who died after a suspected knife attack in a park.

The woman, aged 74, was attacked in Ludwell Valley Park, in Wonford, Exeter, on Saturday, Devon and Cornwall Police said.

Officers were called at about 16:00 GMT and emergency services attended but the local woman died at the scene.

A man in his 30s from the Exmouth area was arrested by armed police on Exeter High Street just after 21:30 GMT.

Police were called to Ludwell Valley Park on Saturday

Police said in a statement that they did not know the motive for the attack and they did not believe the suspect or woman knew each other.

Officers believe they may have located the knife thought to have been used in the attack.

Ch Supt Dan Evans said they were not looking for anyone else and the suspect remained in custody.

'Tragic time'

"I would like to reassure people that this is an isolated incident," he said.

"Whilst this type of incident is very rare, Wonford is a very close community and I know the death will be felt deeply by all who live in the area.

"My thoughts are with the family and loved ones of the victim at this tragic time."

Police have appealed for anyone with information to contact them.

The force has created a Major Incident Public Reporting page to allow people who may have information to send files such as doorbell, CCTV and dashcam footage.

Det Sgt Darren Campbell from the Major Crime Team said: "There are still large parts of the day that we need to account for, both pre and post the attack.

"We are asking for anyone who has CCTV, doorbell, phone footage or dashcam of the area that could be of interest to the investigative team, to please submit this via the MIPP.

"You can also report any information that you may have in relation to this murder, not solely footage."