A MAN has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman, 37, was found dead with "serious injuries".

Police launched a murder investigation after discovering the woman's body at the house in Christchurch, Dorset, at around 2.45am today.

A 38-year-old local man was arrested on suspicion of her murder and police say he is assisting officers with their enquiries.

The woman's family have been made aware, Dorset Police said.

The address, in the Park Gardens residential area of Christchurch, where a one-bedroom flat is worth around £115,000, remains cordoned off as officers continue to gather evidence.

DI Rich Dixey, of Dorset Police, said: "Following the discovery of the woman’s body early this morning, we have launched a murder investigation.

"We are carrying out extensive enquiries to establish exactly what happened at the address in Park Gardens.

"A cordon has been put in place to allow crime scene investigators to examine the scene and officers are also carrying out house-to-house enquiries in the area.

"I am appealing to anyone with information about this incident, or who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in the Park Gardens area last night or early this morning, to please contact us as soon as possible.

"There will be an increased police presence in the area as this investigation continues and local officers can be approached with any concerns."