Detectives wait to interview murder suspect

Detectives continue to wait this morning to interview a 71-year-old man in connection with the murder of Julia Thurgarland.

Mrs Thurgarland, who was 70 years old, was found at her home address in Low Farm in the village of Maplebeck, near Southwell, at around 3.50pm on Friday (28 December 2012).

A Home Office post-mortem examination revealed she died from strangulation.

The 71-year-old man who has been arrested was found in the house on Friday afternoon suffering from injuries. He was taken to Lincoln Hospital where he remains in a serious but stable condition. Detectives will question the man when he is deemed fit to be interviewed.

Mrs Thurgarland's relatives continue to be supported by specially trained officers.

Enquiries at Low Farm have now been completed and the cordon around the house has been lifted.

Detective Chief Inspector Tony Heydon, who is leading the investigation, said: “The enquiries undertaken throughout yesterday make me quite certain this is an isolated incident and we will interview the suspect as soon as possible to determine the circumstances leading up to Mrs Thurgarland’s death.”

It is not anticipated that there will be any change in circumstances until tomorrow (Tuesday 1 January 2013) at the earliest.