Pensioner, 80, is arrested on suspicion of killing 84-year-old girl in quiet Shropshire village

A pensioner has been arrested on suspicion of murder after an elderly woman died in Shropshire.

Officers were called to Woodlands Grove in Prees Higher Heath, Whitchurch, on Tuesday at around 3.05pm, following a concern for safety report, West Mercia Police said.

‘An 84-year-old woman was discovered unresponsive at the property and sadly pronounced dead a short time later,’ a force spokesperson added. 

The man who was arrested is receiving hospital treatment for ‘serious and potentially life-threatening injuries’, the force added.

A pensioner has been arrested on suspicion of murder after an elderly woman died at an address in Prees Higher Heath, Whitchurch in Shropshire, on Tuesday

A police cordon has since been put up around the detached home in Woodlands Grove, where property prices average around £366,500, according to Rightmove. 

Detective Inspector Joanne Delahay said in a statement on Tuesday: ‘Firstly, our thoughts and condolences are with the family and loved ones of the woman who sadly lost her life today.

‘We understand an incident of this nature may be concerning for the local community, but we would like to offer some reassurance that we believe this to be an isolated incident with no wider risk to the public.

‘We are still in the early stages of our investigation and officers will be in the area over the coming days as our inquiries continue.’

Prees Higher Heath is a small rural village with a population of around 500 people and is well-known to hikers and walkers for its scenic surroundings. 

The village also features several historic landmarks, including the 12th Century St Mary’s Church.