Woman dies following 'serious incident'

Police talk to a neighbour outside the Regan St property. Photo / Herald on Sunday / Glenn Jeffrey

A homicide inquiry has been launched after a woman was found dead at a home in Taranaki last night.

Police said they received a call about 10pm yesterday, after a local from Stratford heard shouting coming from a nearby house.

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Police said when they arrived at the house, they found a 71-year-old woman dead at the scene.

A 47-year-old male was arrested at the scene, and has been charged with the woman's murder, police said.

The man would be appearing in New Plymouth District Court today.

Police have confirmed the man and woman knew each other, but would not make any further comment.

Detective Senior Sergeant Blair Burnett said a scene examination was underway at the house, and officers were in the process of conducting an area canvas.

"We are also speaking with the woman's family and witnesses and conducting inquiries in an effort to establish the events that led up to her death."

This morning, locals remained in the dark over last night's incident.

A local who lives on Swansea Rd, near the Regan St home where the incident occurred, said he arrived home at 10.30pm yesterday to find fire trucks throughout the neighbourhood.

"We just got home... and there were fire engines parked at the intersection blocking traffic.

"We have seen things on the net [today] and figured something must of gone down. Who knows what is going on."

A neighbour who lives just a few doors down from the scene, said he was not aware of the incident until he woke up this morning and saw police cars parked outside. He said police still remained at the scene this afternoon.

"I came back home just a few minutes ago, and it's all taped off and there are two cop cars there."

He said he didn't know his neighbour, but was shocked to hear of the news.

Anyone with any information was asked to contact police on (06) 216 5278.