A man arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a 69-year-old woman remains in custody this morning.

The 45-year-old was arrested yesterday in west Cumbria. 

Police revealed that the woman died after suffering serious injuries at a house in Dearham.

They have launched a murder investigation.

The news has been met with shock in the village, near Maryport.

Alan Clark, who served as county councillor for Dearham for many years, said: "It's really shocking. It's sad news for a friendly village like Dearham. It's hard to believe.

"It's the last thing I'd expect in a place like Dearham. It's a tight-knit community."

One resident who did not want to be named said there was a feeling of shock in the village.

She added that the family who lived in the cordoned off house had been residents there for a long time.

Others in the village described shock and sadness in the close-knit community.

Police were called to the house on the residential Main Street, close to the junction of Church Street, at 10.15am yesterday by North West Ambulance Service.

A spokesman said the suspect was arrested at the property and was taken into custody.

An air ambulance was sent to the scene and landed in a nearby field but was stood down.

Police taped off the house and officers stood guard outside.

The spokesman for the force said the coroner had been informed of the incident.

Officers have not yet released the identity of the woman who died.