A 65-year-old man was last night under arrest on suspicion of murder after a 62-year-old woman was found dead with suspected stab wounds at a house in a quiet cul-de-sac.

The woman was found yesterday morning with what police believe were knife wounds to her chest and back.

Officers said her death was thought to be a “domestic-related incident” but they were working to find out exactly what had happened at the home in Cherry Lea Court, Rawdon.

The 65-year-old-man remained in custody last night. Neighbours were shaken and upset yesterday, but were unwilling to say anything about the tragedy. The scene was cordoned off by police while forensic officers carried out investigations in the modern terraced house, where the blinds were drawn.

The house is one of a small number of homes with neat and tidy gardens set around a cobbled area.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Steve Snow said: “Following a call from the ambulance service at about 11.30am, officers attended the property and found the body of the deceased woman.

"A formal identification has yet to take place and a post-mortem examination will be undertaken to determine the cause of death.

“It would appear at this time to be a domestic-related incident, however we are currently working to establish the full circumstances of this incident.”

Leeds City Councillor Graham Latter (Con, Guiseley and Rawdon) said: “I am really shocked by this tragic news.

“Cherry Lea Court is a small, tranquil enclave occupied mostly by retired people. It was originally built for people over 55 and as far as I know that is still the case and most people there are pensioners. It is the last place I’d expect something like this to happen; it’s just not where these things happen.

“I really am flabbergasted. It is a haven and the close-knit community will be in shock. As councillors we rarely have to call there, we’ve had the odd planning problem but mostly we call when we are delivering leaflets in the spring and a summer.”