Murder hunt after woman, 68, found dead near Lichfield, Staffordshire Police confirm

A 68-year-old woman has been found dead near Lichfield in Staffordshire, prompting police to open a murder investigation.

The woman, who has not been named, was found in Lichfield Road, Whittington by Staffordshire Police and the ambulance service at around 10.42am.

She is believed to have died between 10am and 10.30am on Thursday February 24, according to the UK Police Major Incident website.

Her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers at this time.

A 26-year-old man has been arrested in the Slough area in connection with the incident. He remains in police custody.

A 72-year-old man, also arrested in connection with the death, has since been released under investigation while inquiries continue.

Staffordshire Police have said they "are particularly keen to hear from anyone who may have relevant CCTV or dashcam footage."

A statement on the UK Police Major Incident Public Reporting Site said: "Staffordshire Police are investigating the unexplained death that took place between approximately 10:00-10:30 am on Thursday 24th February 2022 on Lichfield Road, Whittington."

Detective Inspector Ian Fitzgerald, who is leading the investigation, said: "We would like to hear from anyone who may have seen a red Peugeot 208 acting suspiciously in the area.

"I would also like to appeal to anyone who thinks they may have relevant CCTV or dashcam footage from the Whittington and Lichfield Road area to get in touch with us as soon as possible.

"Officers are conducting door-to-door inquiries and there will be an increased presence of police officers and police community support officers offering reassurance to the local community while the investigation continues."

Anyone with information should visit the Major Incident Public Portal website at or contact Staffordshire Police via 101 quoting incident number 195 of 24 February.