An elderly woman has died and a suspect is in hospital – prompting Wiltshire Police to launch a Christmas Day murder investigation.
Emergency services were called to reports of a serious assault at a flat in Keepers Road, Devizes, at around 8.10am this morning (Thursday).
The victim, a woman aged in her 80s, sustained significant injuries and two air ambulances were scrambled to the scene.
Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance and Great Western Air Ambulance landed nearby, with critical care medics assisting local ambulance crews.
Despite the best efforts of first responders, the elderly woman was pronounced dead. Enquiries are ongoing to identify her next of kin, police say.
A 63-year-old woman, who is known to the victim, has been arrested on suspicion of murder.
The suspect also sustained injuries in the incident, and was rushed to the Major Trauma Centre at Southmead Hospital in Bristol for urgent treatment.
Her injuries are understood to be serious but not life-changing or life-threatening. Following treatment, she’ll be discharged and questioned in custody.
Wiltshire Police have confirmed that detectives are not seeking anyone else in connection with the killing.
Forensic work is ongoing at the scene, with a number of crime scene investigators present. At around 3.30pm, a private ambulance attended.
Cordons outside the property have been lifted, but officers remain guarding the block of flats.
DI Alan Smith, from the Major Crime Investigation Team, said: “This is a tragic incident in which an elderly woman has lost her life on Christmas Day.
“We have arrested a woman who is known to the victim and I can confirm we are not looking for anyone else in connection with it.
“A scene has been set up at the flat and an urgent investigation is being carried out, which will involve house-to-house enquiries.
“Local residents will see an increased policing presence over the coming days. If you have any concerns, or you have any information, please don’t hesitate to speak to one of our officers.”
