MURDER squad detectives were last night interviewing a 22-year-old man after the discovery of a body in a field close to a North-East town centre.

Police made the grisly discovery behind the High Street, in Willington, County Durham, in the early hours of Friday.

The 42-year-old man had not been named last night.

An area around Cumberland Terrace was cordoned off for forensic examination and officers remained in the town all day conducting door-to-door enquires.

A 22-year-old man from Murton has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the discovery and was last night being questioned by detectives in Peterlee Police Station.

In Cumberland Terrace, a quiet, leafy street overlooking the cemetery, shocked residents spoke of their sadness and disbelief.

One woman, who has lived on the street for four years, said: “I never heard a thing last night. It is terrible news to wake up to. I feel very shocked and upset. You hear about this kind of thing on the news but you don’t expect it to happen on your doorstep.”

Another resident, who also asked not to be named, said: “We are all stunned to be honest. It is such an awful thing to have happened. That was someone’s son, father, friend, uncle; nobody deserves this.

“A few of the neighbours are planning to club together to buy some flowers for him. My thoughts are with his family.”

The cause of death has not yet been revealed but it is hoped a post-mortem, due to take place last night, will shed further light.

Detective Superintendent Kevin Weir, who is leading the investigation, said: “I can confirm we have launched a murder investigation following the discovery of a man’s body in the early hours of the morning.

“We do believe this is an isolated incident and we currently have a suspect in custody.

“There will be much police activity in Willington and I would ask for the patience of residents in that area while the scene preservation remains in place.”

Anyone with information can contact Durham police on 101.