A MURDER investigation is underway after a woman was found dead inside a house, police have confirmed.

Detectives at Lancashire Constabulary are appealing for information after the woman - named as 43-year-old Sarah Ashcroft - was found dead at an address in Preston.

Officers were called to Sharoe Green Lane, Fulwood, shortly before 2pm on Sunday, May 15, to reports a woman had been found unresponsive inside an address.

Emergency services attended and found the woman. Her death is currently being treated as unexplained.

Her family have been informed and are being supported by specially trained officers. 

A spokesperson for the force said: "A Home Office post-mortem examination has been conducted and the cause of death is inconclusive at this stage.

"A 44-year-old man from Preston has been arrested on suspicion of murder. He remains in custody.

"We are appealing for anyone who has information or who saw anything suspicious in the area over the weekend to come forward."

Det Chief Insp Mark Haworth-Oates, of the Force Major Investigation Team, said: “My thoughts are with Sarah’s family at this time and we continue to offer them the support of family liaison officers.

“While we have made an arrest our enquiries are very much ongoing and we are trying to piece together the circumstances around Sarah’s death.

“I would appeal to anyone who either saw anything suspicious in the area around the address on Saturday or Sunday, or anyone who knows Sarah and could have information which could assist our enquiry to come forward and contact us.

“Even if you think the information you have is unimportant please do come and speak to us as it could help us understand what has happened and help provide answers for Sarah’s family.”

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101, quoting log 917 of May 15, 2022.