MURDER INVESTIGATION LAUNCHED,INJURED MAN FOUND AT SCENE WHERE DEAD WOMAN WAS FOUND ARRESTED AS SUSPECT

*A 40-year-old man suffering serious injuries was taken to hospital before police arrived at the house - officers have now arrested him on suspicion of murder

Police have launched a murder investigation after a woman's body was discovered at a house in Rochdale.

The 39-year-old woman's body was discovered by officers after they were called to an address on Birch Crescent, Newhey , at around 11.35pm last night.

An investigation has been launched to establish the circumstances surrounding her death and police are treating it as murder.

A 40-year-old man suffering serious injuries was taken to hospital before police arrived at the house - officers have now arrested him on suspicion of murder.

Detective Superintendent Howard Millington from GMP's Major Incident Team said: "My thoughts continue to remain with this woman's loved ones at this devastating time, I can't imagine what they are going through right now.

"We have had a team of officers working on this investigation throughout the night, who have acted swiftly and following further enquiries we have now arrested a man on suspicion of murder.

"He is currently being treated at hospital for injuries he sustained prior to his arrest.

"We believe this to be an isolated incident and don't believe there to be any wider danger to the public."

Anyone with any information that could help the investigation is asked to contact police on 101 or alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

We'll bring you updates on this story as we get them.

THE POLICE CORDON REMAINS IN PLACE IN BIRCH CRESCENT.

Police seal off house in Birch Crescent, Neyhey where a 39-year-old woman was found dead (Image: Sean Hansford)

Police: 'We don't believe there to be any wider danger to the public'

Detective Superintendent Howard Millington from GMP's Major Incident Team said:

Anyone with any information that could the investigation is asked to contact police on 101 or alternatively call the independent charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Greater Manchester Police have just said that a man has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

SEARCHES BEING CARRIED OUT.

It's understood police searches are also taking place at the back of the house, which leads onto fields.

Police haven't revealed a cause of death. A post mortem examination is expected to be held later.

The woman hasn't been named as yet.

There's also no word yet on any arrests.

Police are searching for a man wanted in connection with the woman's death.

Investigations are ongoing inside the house.

An officer stood guard this morning outside the terrace house at the centre of the investigation. The house next door has also been cordoned off.

A white hatchback car is parked on the driveway and a black sheet has been placed across the front of the house, from the window to the door.

It's understood that investigations are ongoing inside the house.

Birch Crescent is one of a number of streets in a quiet estate off the main Newhey Road.

HOUSE IS SEALED OFF.

Our reporter Paul Britton is at the scene:

Murder investigation launched in Birch Crescent, Newhey

POLICE CORDON AT HOUSE.

This is the scene in Birch Crescent at the moment - police have sealed off a house.