Woman, 71, among three female suspects after 42-year-old Claire Louise Smith murdered during 'very severe physical attack'

Victim identified as 42-year-old Claire Louise Smith

Police on the scene in Barnsley on Saturday (Twitter/South Yorkshire Police)

Police have arrested a 71-year-old woman and two others on suspicion of murder after a woman’s body was found in Barnsley, South Yorkshire.

The victim, who has been identified as 42-year-old Claire Louise Smith, was found dead in Union Street on Saturday morning.

A post-mortem revealed that she died from “injuries from a very severe physical attack”, according to South Yorkshire Police.

Officers leading a murder enquiry have also arrested a 45-year-old woman and a 57-year-old woman.

Police confirmed that all three suspects remain in custody.

Union Street has now re-opened but police officers are still in the area.

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 01709 443544.