A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman's body was found in a North Yorkshire village.

Police said officers were called in the early hours of Monday following a report of an incident in a house in Cawood, just south of York.

"Officers attended and located the body of a woman," said a spokesman.

"A 49-year-old man was arrested in the Hawkshead area of Cumbria. He remains in custody at this time."

The property in Chestnut Road was cordoned off by police and officers have been seen making door-to-door inquiries and searching gardens, bins, hedges and open spaces "for discarded items."

Local parish councillor Ron Wharmby said: "Its rather upsetting for the village. We don't know who it is yet.

"Obviously, our thoughts are with everyone involved and our condolences go to the lady's family. Everyone is just shocked."

Anyone with information which could assist the investigation is asked to contact police on 101 and ask for the Major Investigation Team.