Police are continuing to question a man on suspicion of murdering an elderly woman in a park in Exeter on Saturday afternoon.

Police were called to Ludwell Valley Park in the Wonford area of the city at 4pm after reports of a woman having been seriously assaulted.

Paramedics desperately tried to save the woman, who was in her 70s, but she died at the scene.

Devon and Cornwall Police issued a CCTV image of a man which was taken at 3.17pm outside the Wonford Sports Centre warning the public not to approach him as he "could be armed and dangerous"."

Armed officers swooped on the Yorkshire Building Society on Exeter High Street just after 9.30pm and arrested a man in his 30s who was from the Exmouth area.

Residents described their shock at the murder. One mum said: "It's horrific to think an old lady can be murdered walking through a park in broad daylight."

"The area has got so much worse recently, I don't even let my teenage son out on his own in case he runs into bother. I feel so sorry for the victim's family."

Superintendent Tom Holmes said: "Whilst this is a positive update, a major response remains in place and our investigation into this murder continues."

He urged people not to "speculate" on the identity of the suspect or the attack."

Supt Holmes added: "A heightened police presence will remain across key areas of Exeter, including the Wonford area where a number of cordons remain in place."

"We are currently not looking for anyone else in connection to this offence."

"Even though we have a man in custody, this doesn’t mean that we are no longer appealing for information. "

"It is vital that if you have any information relating to this incident, that you contact us immediately."

"If you have yet to have spoken to us and have information that relates to this investigation, please call 999 quoting log number 600 18 February."

"Our thoughts are with the family and the loved ones of the victim, and we will continue to do all we can to support them during this tragic time."