Police investigate murder in Exeter area

A 67-year-old man from the Newton Poppleford area was arrested on suspicion of murder, with enquiries ongoing to establish the circumstances surrounding the incident. He has been released on bail pending further investigation.

Police were called to an address on Lark Rise at around 1:15pm on Friday, January 17, following a report of concern for a 70-year-old woman in Newton Poppleford. Officers and paramedics attended the scene, where the woman was pronounced deceased.

Efforts are continuing to locate her next of kin. A police cordon that was set up at the scene has now been lifted.

Detective Inspector Guy Biggar, of the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “It is believed that the deceased and the suspect are known to each other. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident, and there is no ongoing threat to the public.

“We are appealing for anyone with any information that could help us with our enquiries to please come forward.”

Police are urging anyone with information, dashcam footage, or who may have witnessed the incident to come forward. You can provide information via the police website or by calling 101, quoting reference number 50250013357.

Update: Richard Law, 67, of Lark Rise, Newton Poppleford, was charged in connection with the death on 17 January, said Devon and Cornwall Police.