Murder probe launched after woman in her 40s found dead at property in Dartmouth: British man in his 30s is arrested

Published: 10:57 EDT, 7 October 2026 | Updated: 10:58 EDT, 7 October 2026 A woman has been found dead and another man has been left with facial injuries following a brutal attack in a picturesque seaside town.The victim, in her 40s, was allegedly attacked with an axe in Dartmouth, Devon, last night. A man, also in his 40s, was taken to hospital with non-life-changing facial injuries.Police, paramedics and the air ambulance raced to the Church of St Barnabas building at 9.20pm on Tuesday, but the victim was later pronounced dead.A local British national man, aged in his 30s, was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.The former church in the town centre previously operated as a restaurant in 2008 named The Dartmouth Apprentice, which Dame Prue Leith helped set up to train young chefs. It has been used as a homeless shelter following its closure in 2013. A woman, aged in her 40s, has been found dead and another man, also aged in his 40s, was left with facial injuries following a brutal attack at the Church of St Barnabas in Dartmouth Forensic officers are seen in Newcomen Road today following the discovery of the dead womam A team of forensic officers today in Newcomen Road, which has been closed off while officers investigate A local business owner said: 'Everybody in the town is saying the victim was hit with an axe, it's just sickening if that is the case.'I don't think there are many people living in there but there seems to be a lot of issues with drugs and mental health.'One local said she witnessed two police cars and a white van racing through the town's narrow winding streets.She said: 'I was almost run over by them. I was walking along Above Town (correct, road name) heading away from the church around 9.45 and a white van came flying past followed by two police cars then a third soon after.'I had to press myself against the wall to avoid getting hit.' Dozens of police officers including forensics officers remained outside the church today.Officers in white boiler suits were seen entering and leaving a door at the back of the church where the homeless flats are understood to be located.Detective Inspector Guy Biggar from Devon & Cornwall Police Major Crime Investigation Team said: 'We appreciate the concern this distressing incident may have caused with the local community but there is nothing to indicate a wider threat to the public. Police officers are pictured on Newcomen Road in Dartmouth last night following a 'serious disturbance' at a property There was a huge emergency service response to the incident from police, ambulance, and the fire brigade 'We would ask people not to speculate, particularly on social media, while we work to ascertain exactly what has happened. Our enquiries are at a very early stage, therefore it is too soon in the investigation to speculate on motivation.'Our thoughts are with the family and friends who have lost a loved one in tragic circumstances, and we will continue to support them through this difficult time.'If you have any information or footage that could help with enquiries, please contact police via our website or by calling 101 quoting reference number 50260268774.'Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.'