An 81-year-old man who was arrested on suspicion of murdering an elderly woman had been suffering "immense pressures", neighbours have revealed."

The man, named only as Ivan, is also being quizzed on suspicion of attempting to murder a man in his 40s who lived in the property.

Emergency services rushed to a bungalow in Alexander Avenue in Droitwich, Worcs., at 8.45am on Friday (8/12).

Paramedics discovered an 80-year-old woman dead and a badly injured man.

The man in his 40s was rushed to hospital where he remains in a stable condition.

The 81-year-old suspect also received hospital treatment before his arrest.

Neighbours in the road, which is lined by smartly kept bungalows worth an average of £350,000, say the couple had been suffering financial worries.

One resident said: "Yes we know the couple very well. "

"Ivan looked after his wife who was bedridden with cancer as well as their disabled son."

"Ivan was under immense pressure and they were worried about losing money because they were having building work done to their home."

"All I am willing to say is that it is so sad. They were a lovely family and no trouble to anyone."

"Ivan was going through a bad time what with the stress of his wife’s illness, caring for their son who has complex needs, and ongoing money troubles."

Neighbours say Ivan was often seen doing errands for his wife, named as Maureen, and taking groceries into their home.

One local said: "I knew him as Ivan, I don’t know what his surname is but he seemed friendly and was always well turned out. He used to wear a tie."

"He’d pop out to get things for him and his wife. I just thought they kept themselves to themselves, like other people around here generally do."

"It’s shocking to hear that a woman has been killed and another man left in hospital. "

"There are rumours about what happened but it seems like it must have been a desperate situation. It’s very sad."

Detective Chief Inspector Leighton Harding, of West Mercia Police, said: "We understand the concern incidents of this nature cause within local communities. "

"We believe those involved are known to each and there is no risk to the wider community."