Son arrested over mother's death

A police forensics team worked through 30C heat on Wednesday

The man arrested on suspicion of murdering a 78-year-old woman in her home near Bristol is her son, the BBC has learned.

The woman, named locally as Sheila Iles, died after a "violent assault" at her home in Seymour Road, Staple Hill.

Police, ambulance crews and a helicopter were called to the scene in South Gloucestershire on Wednesday.

Half an hour later police arrested Gary Iles, 42, who remains in custody while investigations continue.

Mrs Iles' body was found after officers smashed open the door at number 91.

Her body was taken away and a post-mortem examination is being carried out.

Neither the victim nor the suspect have been officially identified.

Police have appealed to the public for information into the background of the incident.

An Avon and Somerset police spokesman said: "We were called to a domestic incident at 8.15am this [Wednesday] morning.

''The body of a 78-year-old woman was found dead at the property. She appeared to have suffered a violent assault.

''A 42-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and our inquiries are continuing.''