A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman’s body was found in Birkenhead.

On Thursday, May 12, at around 7.15pm, police were called to a block of flats on Vittoria Close to a report that a body of a woman in her 60s had been found.

Neighbours said five police cars and two ambulances were in attendance.

Paramedics attended and she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The victim’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers.  

Police arrested a 51-year-old man, who is known to the victim, on suspicion of murder.

He was taken into custody and will be questioned by police.

An investigation is ongoing and officers remain on Vittoria Close while CCTV, forensic and house-to house-enquiries are carried out. 

Police have said the incident is being treated as domestic-related and detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.
 

Detective Inspector Kevin O’Rourke said: “We are investigating the tragic death of a woman in Birkenhead this morning and have arrested a man, who we can confirm was known to the victim.

“Our enquiries into the incident are ongoing and if you have any information which could assist our investigation then please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

“We take the issue of domestic abuse very seriously and will continue to work alongside our partners to identify the best way to tackle it.

“I would encourage anyone who is experiencing domestic abuse to have the courage to report it to us and we will support you in every way we can.

“Similarly I would ask if you are aware of someone who is a victim of domestic abuse – whether that be a friend, family member, colleague or neighbour - please contact us so that we can take positive action and offer them the support that they need.

“Anyone with any information is asked to contact @MerPolCC on Twitter or ‘Merseyside Police Contact Centre’ on Facebook or call 101 with reference 22000326747.
 
“You can also call Crimestoppers, anonymously on 0800 555 111, or their online form at https://crimestoppers-uk.org/give-information/forms/give-information-anonymously.

“If someone is in immediate danger they should dial 999 and speak to an operator but we also accept that openly speaking is not always an option.
 
“The Silent Solution is a service which means a vulnerable person can call 999 and alert us, by pressing ’55.’ This will indicate that help is needed and we will respond.”

Neighbours on Vittoria Close spoke of their shock following last night's arrest.

One, who asked not to be named, told the Globe: "I've lived here for 42 years and it was a shock to see what happened last night. It was a scary thing to watch when you live just over the road.

"The police cars just kept coming and two police ran into the flats. Then they came out with a man in handcuffs."

Another, who lives in the flats, said: "I didn't know anything was happening until I had a phone call from a relative asking 'what was going on outside the flats?'

"Looked outside the window and saw a commotion; police and ambulances everywhere. So I went downstairs to ask what was going on. At first, I thought someone had fallen out of a window.

"Didn't expect anything like a murder investigation. Really shocked."