A MAN arrested on suspicion of murdering a woman in her 80s in a Quantocks Hills village on Monday has been sectioned under the Mental Health Act.

The man, who is aged in his 30s, was assessed by a mental health professional last night and deemed not fit for interview or to be detained in police custody.

He was therefore sectioned under section two of the Mental Health Act and transferred to a secure mental health unit.

Avon and Somerset Police has made a mandatory conduct referral of itself to the Independent Office for Police Conduct (IOPC) due to actions following a missing person report which had been made earlier on Monday.

The woman died at a property in Broomfield on Monday evening after police were called to a report of a ‘burglary in progress’.

She was found badly injured at the scene, and efforts by officers and paramedics could not save her.

A pathologist conducted a forensic post mortem yesterday, but formal identification has not yet taken place.

Although a woman has been named to some media by local sources, the Free Press has chosen not to publicise any name until police confirm her family have all been informed.

Police said the murder inquiry was continuing today under the leadership of the force’s Major Crime Investigation Team (MCIT).

Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Justin French said: “Our thoughts remain with the family during this incredibly difficult time and they are being supported by specially trained family liaison officers.

“Incidents of this kind are rare and understandably can cause concern among the community.

“Our officers will be out and about conducting reassurance patrols and we encourage people to speak to them with any questions and concerns they may have.

“Detectives from MCIT continue to carry out a full and thorough investigation and the public can expect to see an increased police presence in the area, for the next few days.

“If you have any information which may help the investigation and have yet to speak to an officer, please contact 101 and quote reference 5223071427.”

The man in custody was arrested in the Broomfield area about three hours after the killing following help from the police helicopter and a dog team.