Murder Investigation Launched After Body Found In Hemel Hempstead

A murder investigation has been launched following the discovery of a woman's body at a house in Hemel Hempstead.

It is understood that police were called to reports of a man acting suspiciously in Dunlin Road at about 22:30 on Tuesday night.

Police are believed to have spoken to the man before leaving the scene.

A second call was received from another address in the same street at 23:30, reporting a break-in.

While responding to the call, police became aware of a disturbance at a third house on Dunlin Road.

Entering the house, police discovered the body of a 37-year-old woman. She was found suffering stab wounds and pronounced dead at the scene.

A short time later police arrested a 25-year-old man in the area in connection with the discovery. In a follow-up search a 19-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to burgle.

Detective Chief Inspector Jerome Kent from the Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Hertfordshire Major Crime Unit is investigating and said: "This is an extremely shocking murder in which a young mother has lost her life. Our thoughts are with her children, husband and wider family at this tragic time. The family are being fully supported by specially trained officers.

"Understandably the wider community may also be concerned about the events of last night however I would like to reassure you that incidents such as these are extremely unusual in Hertfordshire. I would like to assure you we have a dedicated team of officers and staff working to investigate the full circumstances of what has happened.

"Both houses in Dunlin Road remain cordoned off at this time to allow specialist investigations to take place and locally residents will see officers both in high visibility clothing and plain clothed detectives making inquiries and offering reassurance.

"I would urge anyone who has any information about the incidents which occurred last night to police contact Herts Police immediately. I would also like to appeal to anyone who heard or saw anything suspicious in the area to also please contact police if you haven’t done so already."

Due to order of events developing in the same street, Hertfordshire Police has referred itself to the Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC).

(MH/CD)