People living in Llanidloes have been left shocked after a murder investigation was launched following the discovery of a 34-year-old woman's body in the River Severn.
Some residents had been aware of police presence a few miles north of the town but many said they were unaware of the circumstances until news broke on Tuesday (May 30) when a police appeal was launched for more information to help with the investigation which has been named Operation Wenlock.
One resident, who did not want to be named, said: “It’s just shocking to know that things like this are going on. This is quite a quiet community. It makes you think, doesn’t it?
“I knew there was something going on Sunday because there were a lot of helicopters and police, and then Sunday night it was sealed off with police in the fields.
OTHER NEWS:
- Powys motorist keeps licence - which now has 18 points on it
- Former Powys town mayor returns to helm after resignation of predecessor
- Letter: Cars crawling in third gear probably emit more emissions
“It’s all been quiet really. It’s only through social media that anybody has known anything.”
Another local resident said: “I’ve heard nothing about it. Dear, dear, in a quiet town like this you wouldn’t think anything like this?”
Llanidloes county councillor Cllr Gareth Morgan said: “We’re not used that sort of thing in Llanidloes. Isn’t that a shock?”
After police released a statement two days after the woman’s body was found, it was the first time that many residents were alerted to what had happened over the weekend.
Staff at a local shop said on Wednesday morning: “We’ve only just heard but we were shocked. You never know what’s happening in Llani.
“It’s awful news. It’s never nice to hear. It’s horrible.”
Police launched a murder investigation following the discovery of the 34-year-old woman’s body in the River Severn at around 4pm on Sunday (May 28) with a 46-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder that same night.
The man remained in police custody as the Powys County Times went to print on Wednesday evening.
Dyfed-Powys Police said they are not currently looking for anyone else in connection with their investigations.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here