AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into the unexplained death of a woman in Kelbrook.

Police were called to Old Stone Trough Lane at around 9.40pm on Saturday after the 46-year-old woman was found unresponsive in a stable block.

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Yesterday, a 52-year-old man from Barnoldswick was questioned by officers after he was arrested on suspicion of murder, but was later released without charge.

Last night, a police spokesman said: “We have conducted extensive inquiries throughout the day and no longer consider there to be any suspicious circumstances.”

Residents reported seeing numerous police vehicles with flashing lights attending the scene in the early hours of yesterday.

Police remained at the site throughout the day, with the stables area taped off and scenes of crime officers carrying out a thorough examination of the area.

The property is believed to be rented as a private stables and does not include residential quarters.

Det Supt Lee Halstead, of Lancashire Police, said: “We are currently treating this death as unexplained.”

Police said a post-mortem examination would take place, and the identity of the woman had not been formally released.

The area, just off the A56 outside Barnoldswick, features large houses and farms. The stables has residential properties either side, although the nearest neighbours are around 200 yards away.

One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “This would come as a shock anywhere, but especially in a village like this.”

Earby councillor Mike Goulthorp, who is chairman of Kelbrook and Sough Parish Council, said: “This is shocking for the community and the relatives of this lady .”