A manhunt has been launched after a 70-year-old woman was found dead in a park Exeter.

Police warned the suspect remains ‘at large’ and ‘could be armed and dangerous’.

Detectives have launched a murder probe and shared CCTV image of a man they are urgently seeking to trace.

Superintendent Tom Holmes said: ‘Cordons are in place including at Wonford Sports Centre and police units remain in the area. At this time the suspect remains at large and a major response is underway.

‘Tonight we have taken the steps of releasing an image of a man we need to identify in connection to the murder investigation.

‘This image was captured at 3.17pm outside Wonford Sports Centre in Exeter and it is vital that we identify this man and locate him.’

‘We believe that this man could be armed and dangerous, so we are telling the public not to approach him in any circumstances and immediately call 999 if you have seen this man.’

Police had rushed to Ludwell Valley Park, in the Wonford area of Exeter, at 4pm today following reports of a woman had been seriously assaulted.

Locals were then left terrified after being told to ‘lock their doors’ while initial investigations were carried out.

Police later confirmed the woman, 70, had died at the scene.

Her next have kin have been informed and is being supported by specialist officers.

Earlier tonight, a local mum told DevonLive: ‘It’s shocking and quite terrifying. Some people are saying there were 30 armed police with dogs going into the field this afternoon.

‘There are terrible rumours flying around about what’s happened. I hope they are not true.’

Police are appealing for information and would like to speak to anyone who was in the Wonford area this afternoon.

If you know identity of the man in the CCTV image, his current whereabouts, or have seen him today then please call 999 immediately quoting log number 600 18 February.

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