Police 'concern' at death of woman, 74

Police have launched an investigation into the death of an elderly woman in her Foxton home yesterday afternoon.

A neighbour and another concerned local found the 74-year-old dead in her Whittaker Street house and immediately called police.

Detective Dennis O'Rourke, of Palmerston North CIB, said there were a couple of "unusual" matters relating to the scene where the woman's body was found which "gave concern" and for that reason police had launched an investigation.

He said it was not yet considered a suspicious death.

Police are today examining the house, and the woman's body is expected to be removed about midday and taken to Palmerston North for a post mortem examination.

"I think that will give us a much better idea of what we are dealing with," Mr O'Rourke said.

The woman's name had not been released yet as next of kin are still being informed.

- NZPA