Murder suspect found 'naked and bleeding in someone's shower' after body of woman found in woods

A MAN, 23, was arrested after reportedly being found naked and bleeding in someone's bathroom, following the discovery of the body of a woman at a National Trust estate.

The suspects was taken to hospital to be treated for serious injuries, according to police.

Thames Valley Police found the body in woodland on the Watlington Hill estate just before 6pm on Friday and are linking the murder to reports of a man seen acting suspiciously by a pub a few hours earlier.

The victim is believed to be in her 60s.

Neighbour Sue Yerburgh said: “I heard someone crashing through the undergrowth which is very unusual around here.

“He got into the next door house. They were in their swimming pool and found him in the shower room naked and bleeding.”

The Watlington Hill estate was developed in the mid 1600s and donated to the National Trust in the mid-20th century.   Officers are appealing for anyone who saw a man behaving strangely near the Fox and Hounds pub in the Christmas Common area of Oxfordshire at around 3.30pm to get in touch.

Anyone who saw anything suspicious in the Watlington Hill area at around 5.50pm is also asked to contact the force.

Senior Investigating Officer Detective Superintendent Craig Kirby of the Major Crime Unit, said: "We have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a woman's body in woodland earlier this evening.

"My thoughts remain with the deceased woman's family at what must be a hugely distressing time.

"We are carrying out a thorough investigation to piece together what has happened to lead to this woman's death.

“We believe that this was not a random attack and that the victim and the attacker were known to each other.

“The arrested man remains in the custody of police officers while he receives hospital treatment for serious injuries.

“I would continue to appeal for anyone with information around this incident no matter how insignificant it may seem to please come forward.”

A force spokesman said: “At around 5.53pm on Friday the body of a woman in her 60s was located in woodland in the Watlington Hill National Trust park. “The woman’s next of kin have been informed and they are being supported by specially trained officers. However formal identification processes and a post-mortem are yet to be carried out."

The arrested man remained in hospital where he is being treated last night. A police lighting unit remained at the scene yesterday after detectives used it to illuminate the crime scene overnight, while forensic scientists in white suits combed the area for evidence. Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

(Image screen grab from PA video)