Police have launched a murder probe after a woman died following a ‘serious assault’ in the street – with a huge manhunt now underway to find the attacker who was ‘known to her’.
Officers were called to West Hoe Road, Plymouth, at around 8.55pm on Wednesday after the woman, in her 40s, was found seriously injured.
Armed police and emergency crews dramatically descended on the scene, but the attacker is still at large.
The female victim was rushed to hospital but sadly pronounced deceased in the early hours. Her next of kin have been informed.
A large number of police units remain on scene conducting extensive enquiries and searches in the area to locate a male suspect.
The victim and suspect are believed to be known to each other.
A scene guard remains and local road closures have been put in place over the course of the night and into the morning.
Forensic officers were spotted working late into the night, with evidence markers and blood seen spattered on the pavement.
Police have launched a murder probe after a woman died following a ‘serious assault’ in Plymouth
Armed police swarmed areas of Plymouth last night following reports of a ‘serious assault’ in the city. A murder probe has now been launched
Emergency services rushed to the scene in the West Hoe area of Plymouth at around 9pm last night
Armed police were also seen searching a flat close to the waterfront, where the police cordon has been put in place.
One witness at the scene told MailOnline last night: ‘The scene is not looking very good.
‘I arrived at quarter past nine. When I arrived on the scene the incident was in its early stages and armed police had been deployed.
‘Then 15 minutes later a police area response team had arrived.’
DCI David Pebworth said: ‘Cordons will likely remain in place for the rest of the day and police units will remain in the area.
‘I wish to make the public aware we are looking to locate a man in relation to this incident whose identity is known, and enquiries are ongoing to find him.
‘At this time, I would like to reassure the community and further afield in Plymouth that there is no suggestion that there is a wider risk to members of the public.
‘There will be a heightened police presence and visibility in the coming days in the area as enquiries are ongoing.
‘We will of course update the public once we have further information.’
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
