The body of a murdered woman, found at a house in Leeds, may have been left undiscovered for weeks.
Officers from West Yorkshire Police confirmed yesterday (Saturday, March 26) that they were launching a murder investigation, after the body of a 35-year-old woman was found at an address in Stanhall Mews, Stanningley.
The woman, named locally as Kirstie Anne Ellis, may have been dead in her home for up to a month according to horrified neighbours. She was tragically found dead by officers on Friday (March 25), after they had responded to a concern for safety call.
Two people, a man and a woman, both aged 35, have been arrested by police on suspicion of murder and they both remain in custody at this time. The semi-detached house was cordoned off by officers from West Yorkshire Police yesterday, with CSI officers also in attendance.
Shocked neighbours on the quiet cul-de-sac said that they feared her body may have lay there undiscovered for a month. One woman in the street, who didn't want to be named, said that officers had knocked on doors asking neighbours if they had seen Kirstie in recent weeks.
The woman said: "Two weeks ago, police came here asking if we'd seen her in the last two weeks. She could have been dead in there for a good four weeks." The neighbour said that police also showed residents a photograph of a man they were interested in speaking to, but she did not recognise him.
She added: "The police said there was a lot of post piled up behind her door. I don't know why they didn't kick the door in then. Everyone sort of keeps themselves to themselves and we never really spoke to her. I never really saw her have friends round or have anyone over. I wasn't in on Friday, but when I came home I saw all the police. It was a shock, it's a proper quiet street. You just don't expect it."
Police and forensic teams continue to work at the property and conduct patrols in the area. A spokesman for West Yorkshire Police said: "Police have launched a murder investigation after the body of a woman was found at an address in Leeds.
"The woman’s body was discovered inside a property in Stanhall Mews in Stanningley after police received a concern for safety report at 2.49pm yesterday (Friday). A man and a woman, both 35, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.
A scene remains on at the address as enquiries into the woman’s death continue. These are being led by the Homicide and Major Enquiry Team."
Detectives have appealed for anyone with any information to get in touch.
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