Murder investigation after mother-of-three found stabbed to death in Nottinghamshire

A 48-year old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, after a mother-of-three was found dead at her home in Nottinghamshire.

Clair Ablewhite who was 47, was found at her home in Hall Lane in Colston Bassett just before 6.30pm on Saturday 26th February. She had been stabbed a number of times.

Nottinghamshire Police said a murder investigation is now underway.

Detective Inspector Mel Crutchley said Ms Ablewhite's family have been left "devastated" by her death.

"Our thoughts remain with the family as they deal with the impact of this tragedy. They have been left devastated by her loss".

"Our investigation is now in the stages of very carefully and painstakingly building up a picture of what happened before, during and after the murder and as people can probably imagine, this process can take time as the evidence we gather makes things clearer and clearer".

"I understand that in a quiet, close-knit community like this it is shocking for an incident like this to happen and people will be talking but I would urge people not to speculate, respect the family and please trust the judicial process to find the truth in due course".

A police cordon remains in place at the house, while officers continue their forensic examinations.

A 49-year-old resident, who also lives on Hall Street, said: "It’s just so sad. It’s a beautiful village and you just don’t expect it here really.

"You don’t want to hear about it anywhere.

"We’ve got nice neighbours around here too. It’s normally such a happy place with such a nice feeling."

Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council Simon Robinson said: "It is very usual to see this happen and we send the woman's family our condolences.

"The community will also be saddened and shocked by this news, as well as the person's family.

"It's a shock for this to happen in such a rural area. The woman who has died was very well known in the community."