Body of woman, 77, found in house

About 30 officers are working on the investigation

A murder inquiry is under way after the body of a 77-year-old woman was found at a house near Winchester.

There are unconfirmed reports the woman had been stabbed to death at the house in Otterbourne, Hants.

Some 30 police officers are involved in the investigation following the discovery of the elderly woman's body at 1745 GMT on Friday.

Scene of crime officers were at the location during the night. Hampshire Police are appealing for witnesses.

Det Supt Shirley Dinnell, leading the investigation, said: "This kind of crime is very rare in Hampshire and even more unusual in a rural area such as this.

"We need to find who was responsible for the murder as soon as possible."

A post-mortem examination will be conducted over the weekend.