Murder investigation launched after woman found dead behind house

A murder investigation has been launched after a young woman was found dead behind a house, police said today.

Emergency services were called to Blake Street in Burslem, Stoke-on-Trent, after a member of the public reported the discovery of a woman's body at around 1.30pm yesterday.

The woman, thought to be a 19-year-old from Stoke-on-Trent, was confirmed dead at the scene, which was sealed off for forensic analysis.

A post-mortem examination carried out today showed she died from head injuries.

Yesterday afternoon, two 35-year-old men, a 23-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman, all from Stoke-on-Trent, were arrested in connection with the death.

All four were taken to the northern area custody facility in Etruria, Stoke-on-Trent, for interview and were still in custody today.

Supt Bernie O'Reilly, from Stoke-on-Trent division, said: "A young woman has tragically lost her life.

"Detectives from our Major Investigation Department are investigating this crime and we are determined to bring whoever is responsible to justice as quickly as possible."

A mobile police station will be based near the scene today and tomorrow, and police patrols have been stepped up in the area.

Mr O'Reilly added: "Incidents like this are extremely rare, which makes it even more concerning for the community affected.

"This is why our neighbourhood officers will be spending as much time as possible in the area, talking to the community, addressing people's concerns on a one-to-one basis and making sure they are visible and accessible to those who need them."

Formal identification of the woman is expected to take place later today, police said.

Anyone with information is asked to call the incident room on 01785 218 600 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.