Police have arrested five people and launched a murder enquiry following the death of a woman in Thetford.

Officers were called to Frobisher Close just after 5.30pm on Monday after concerns were raised by the ambulance service who were in attendance.

A woman, in her 40s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

The road and property has been cordoned off whilst the investigation continues and forensically trained officers are currently examining the scene.

Five people have been arrested in connection with the incident and currently remain in police custody for questioning.

T/Detective Chief Inspector Marie James said: “Although we are in the early stages of this investigation we have a number of significant enquiries which, I hope, will help us to understand the events which lead to this woman’s death.

“I would like to reassure the public that we currently believe those involved to be known to each other and that there is no ongoing threat to the wider community. Several officers will be in the area today and I would encourage those with concerns or information to speak with them.”

Residents were shaken by the news, attesting that their cul-de-sac on the Admirals estate was normally a “very quiet street”.

One resident, a close neighbour of the deceased woman, said: “She kept herself to herself, but then most of the people around here do.

“It is a quiet little cul-de-sac. It is awful to hear about something like this happening.”

One couple said it was the most serious incident they had seen in the cul-de-sac in 30 years.

They added that it was a “lovely street”, with street parties being held there in the past.

Thetford town councillor Sylvia Armes, who lives on the Admirals estate, said: “It is terribly for this to have happened on the estate. It is a reasonably trouble-free area. I know we have our own little neighbourly problems, but this is just devastating news.

“I am so sorry for the family. It is absolutely shattering.”

Anyone with information about this incident is asked to contact Norfolk Constabulary on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.