Murder charge laid over Taranaki death

A homicide inquiry has been launched after a woman was found dead at a home in Taranaki last night.

Police said they received a call about 10pm yesterday, after a local from Stratford heard shouting coming from a nearby house.

Police said when they arrived at the house, they found a 71-year-old woman dead at the scene.

A 47-year-old male was arrested at the scene, and has been charged with the woman's murder, police said.

The man would be appearing in New Plymouth District Court today.

Police have confirmed the man and woman knew each other, but would not make any further comment.

Detective Senior Sergeant Blair Burnett said a scene examination was under way, and officers were conducting an area canvass.

"We are also speaking with the woman's family and witnesses and conducting inquiries in an effort to establish the events that led up to her death."

This morning, locals remained in the dark over the incident.

A local who lives on Swansea Rd, near the Regan St home where the incident occurred, said he arrived home at 10.30pm yesterday to find fire trucks throughout the neighbourhood.

"We just got home... and there were fire engines parked at the intersection blocking traffic.

"We have seen things on the net [today] and figured something must of gone down. Who knows what is going on."

Anyone with any information was asked to contact police on (06) 216 5278.

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