Arrest after woman’s body found burned in lay-by

A man has been arrested in connection with the death of a woman whose body was found burned in a lay-by in south Staffordshire.

The discovery was made shortly before 3am on Monday after officers went to the scene on the Bridgnorth Road, close to Perton, near Wolverhampton, following reports of suspicious activity.

A 41-year-old man from Wolverhampton has been arrested on suspicion of murder, Staffordshire Police said.

Meanwhile, detectives believe they are close to identifying the victim, a young woman, who is now thought to have been driven to the site.

A post-mortem examination has taken place but further investigations are continuing to establish the exact cause of death.

Officers are now seeking witnesses who may have seen anything in the early hours of Monday, and separately appealing to drivers who may have footage on dash cams from that time period, to get in touch.

Detective Superintendent Tom Chisholm, leading the inquiry, said: “We’re at the early stages of a major investigation and we’ve had a great response from the public so far, but we’re keen to get more information.

“We have made an early arrest but I must stress this is not the end of our investigation and we still need the public’s help.

“We believe she was driven to the site.

“Did you witness anything suspicious or see any vehicles in the area between 1am and 3am on Monday morning? Do you have local dash cam or CCTV footage?”

Anyone with any information is asked to visit https://mipp.police.uk/operation/STAFFS21H10-PO1 or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.