AN investigation has been launched after a woman's body was found in Harwood.

Police were called to a house in Bramhall Avenue at about 7pm last night by the ambulance service, where they found the body of a 57-year-old woman.

An investigation has now been launched and a post mortem examination is due to take place later today.

Police say they hope to know more about the circumstances of the woman's death after those tests have been carried out.

They are unable to say at this stage how she died.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing bags of evidence taken out of the house, with detectives remaining at the scene throughout the night. 

Det Insp Chris Mossop said: “I understand an incident like this can cause some distress in the local community but I would like to reassure everybody that, although we are investigating, there is no cause for concern.

“If anybody has any information that they believe can help us with our investigation then I would urge them to please contact the police.”

A resident of Bramhall Avenue, said: "We drove past and there were five police cars and a police van and they were coming out with evidence bags.

"They kept going in and out all night.

"We live at the end of the road so I don't know who lives there but it's sad to hear the news."

Another resident who lived across the road said: “I didn’t know the lady other than to say hi to.

“She lived here for a while but was living by herself and kept herself to herself.

“It is upsetting to hear that somebody has died. My thoughts are with her family.”

Anybody with information can contact the police on 101 or Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555111.