A MURDER probe has been launched after a woman's body was discovered at a house on Boxing Day morning.

Cops arrested a 47-year-old man after the victim, in her 40s, was found dead at the address in Shinfield, near Reading, Berks, yesterday.

Paramedics and police had been called at 5:40am but she was pronounced dead at the scene.

A police spokesman confirmed that officers from the Thames Valley Police Major Crime Team were treating the death as murder.

The spokesman said: "Thames Valley Police has launched a murder investigation following the death of a woman in Shinfield.

"Officers were called to Parker Close at around 5.40am today and a woman in her 40s was found deceased.

"A man, aged 47 years and from Shinfield, has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently in police custody.

"A scene watch is in place in the area while officers are conducting inquiries to establish the circumstances.

"This is believed to be an isolated incident."

Det Insp Will Crowther, who is leading the investigation, added: "We are in the early stages of inquiries and a murder investigation has now been launched.

“We have made an arrest in connection with the woman’s death.

“I would like to hear from anyone who saw or heard anything unusual in Parker Close earlier today and would encourage anyone with information to contact the police.”

The house remained sealed off last night and a team of forensic science specialists have been drafted in.

A post-mortem is due to be carried out later today.

Anyone with information has been asked to call the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 quoting the reference 248 (26/12) or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.