Pensioner arrested on suspicion of murder after 86-year-old woman found dead in Stockport

'This is a truly tragic incident, and I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to the family,' says police chief

Police were called to Frances Avenue, Stockport (Google Maps)

A pensioner is being held by police on suspicion of murdering a 86-year-old woman.

Officers discovered the body this morning after being called to a house in Stockport, Greater Manchester.

An 84-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murdering the woman, and is in custody for questioning, police said. The cause of the woman's death is not yet known.

But during the afternoon police and forensic officers carried out investigations at the house in Frances Avenue, Gatley.

Detective Inspector Richard Eales, of the police major incident team, said: "This is a truly tragic incident, and I would like to extend my most sincere condolences to the family of the woman who has died this morning.

"We are working to provide her loved ones with support from specially trained officers at this difficult time.

"We have arrested a man on suspicion of murder in connection with her death, and he remains in custody."

Additional reporting by PA