A murder investigation is underway after a woman in her 80s died at a property on the edge of the Quantock Hills.

A man in his 30s was arrested on suspicion of murder on Monday evening following a report of a 'burglary in progress' at an address in Broomfield.

Police attended the scene at around 5.45pm where they discovered the woman badly injured. The woman, who was not named, died at the scene despite the efforts of paramedics and police officers to save her.

A man was being held by police in connection with the incident, after being arrested at around 8.40pm on Monday night. He was apprehended in the Broomfield area after a police helicopter and dog unit were deployed.

Crime scene investigators were examining the scene on Tuesday. A post-mortem examination is set to be carried out to determine the cause of the victim's death.

Police erected two cordons on a stretch of unnamed country road, from the junction with Lode's lane to the junction with Rose Hill. Each cordon was manned by a police community support officer.

The road was seen closed on Tuesday evening, with traffic forced to divert. Officers at the scene said they were unable to comment as to why this stretch of road had been shut.

In a statement, Neighbourhood Chief Inspector Justin French said: “A cordon is in place while inquiries are carried out and there will be increased police activity in the area while a full and thorough investigation is carried out by our Major Crimes Investigations Team.

“We understand that events like this, while rare, may cause alarm and distress in the community.

“We would encourage anybody with any concerns to speak to our officers, who will be out on high-visibility patrols of the area, with any concerns and questions they may have.

“Alternatively, they can contact their local neighbourhood policing team.”

Avon and Somerset Police said: "If you have any information which could aid our investigation, and have yet to speak to officers, please call 101 and quote reference 5223071427 to the call handler."