AN investigation has been launched after a woman was found dead in a Worcester property last night – with police treating the death as potentially suspicious.

Officers were called to the address in Carnforth Drive, Warndon, yesterday (Wednesday, December 27) at around 6.50pm after the woman in her 50s was found to have died.

Speaking last night, West Mercia Detective Inspector Mark Roberts said: “A thorough investigation has been launched and at this stage the death is being treated as unexplained and is believed to be suspicious.

“Officers remain at the scene of the property and we are currently exploring a number of lines of enquiry.

"A scene watch and a cordon were in place at the property last night, with the road partially closed," he added.

The road remains closed this morning from the junction with Harter Row up towards Regency High School, between houses 37 to 27.

A 46-year-old Carnforth Drive resident, speaking to the Worcester News on Thursday morning, said: “Detectives were going door-to-door and asking whether we had seen anything or heard anything from Christmas Eve onwards.

"There were lots of emergency services vehicles here. I could see lots of blue flashing lights from my window."

The woman, who did not wish to be named, but who has lived on the street for more than 10 years, said she got home on Wednesday night between 6.30pm and 7pm.

"There were emergency vehicles coming up and down the street from just after we got home. That’s the first thing that we were aware of. I didn't know what was going on.

"Then people started posting on Facebook. Detectives then came round at about midnight."

Writing on Facebook, Sarah Blyther said helicopters were flying over Warndon Villages on Wednesday night.

"They were hovering for over half an hour by the rugby club to our house in Berkeley Pendesham about midnight," she said.

A spokesman for West Midlands Ambulance Service said: “We were called to a property on Carnforth Drive at 6.43pm to reports of a person in cardiac arrest.

"Two ambulances and paramedic officers were at the scene. On arrival, a woman was found in cardiac arrest and unfortunately it was apparent nothing could be done to save her and she was pronounced dead at the scene.”

DI Roberts went on to say: “We would ask if anyone witnessed any suspicious activity in the area to please come forward, and if anyone has any concerns or information we would ask them to approach and speak with an officer.

"There will be an increased policing presence in the area and I would like to reassure the community that we are conducting a thorough investigation.

"My thoughts are very much with the woman's family and friends at this difficult time."

The woman’s next of kin have been informed, while formal identification and a post-mortem will take place in due course.

Anyone with information relating to this incident is asked to phone West Mercia Police on 101 quoting incident number 597s of December 27.

Alternatively, information can be provided anonymously to the independent charity Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111 or via crimestoppers-uk.org.

UPDATE: Murder probe: Police investigate death of woman named by neighbours as Julie Fox