Murder hunt after 'horrific' attack on elderly couple in Mansfield home

• Amelia Beckett reports from the scene

A manhunt has been launched after an 86-year-old woman was found dead and her 88-year-old husband left with life-threatening injuries in a "horrific" attack at their home in Derbyshire.

The woman was found alongside her injured husband at an address in Langwith Junction near Mansfield. He remains in a critical condition in hospital with life-threatening injuries.

Police were called by paramedics at 9.30am on Saturday, 15 January, to reports that a man and a woman had been found with serious injuries at a house in Station Road.

Derbyshire Constabulary have confirmed that officers will remain at the property for some time.

They say it is not being treated as a domestic incident and they have yet to make any arrests. Officers are continuing to work on a number of lines of enquiry.

'Serious level of violence'

Divisional Commander, Chief Superintendent Hayley Barnett, said: "This is a horrific incident for the community of Langwith Junction and our thoughts remain with the family and friends of those affected.

"The family of the couple have been made aware and are being supported by specialist officers.

"We would ask that their privacy is respected at this time.

"Officers remain at the scene and there will be a significant police presence for some time."

Chief Superintendent Barnett added: "Residents in and around Station Road will see an increased police presence in the coming days and I want to reassure all those in the area that all force resources, as well as regional colleagues from the EMSOU Major Crime team, are working to understand the full circumstances of this incident.

"While the investigation is in its early stages, I can confirm this is not being treated as a domestic incident.

"There was also a serious level of violence used in the incident and we are doing all we can to understand the circumstances and find those responsible.

"A team of detectives are working round the clock and I would urge anyone, particularly any drivers with dashcam or homeowners with CCTV that covers the area, to come forwards as a matter of urgency."

She urged people to take extra precautions at home, saying: "Keep... doors and windows locked, don’t let any strangers in, don’t keep any valuables on display and have a means of making contact with emergency services."

Anyone who may be able to help detectives with their enquiries is asked to contact Derbyshire police using any of the below methods, including reference 240-1501