Police have launched a murder investigation after a woman died following a 'serious attack' in the street – and a huge manhunt is now underway to find the attacker who was 'acquainted' with her.
Officers were called to West Hoe Road, Plymouth, at around 8.55pm on Wednesday after the woman, in her 40s, was found seriously injured.
Armed police and emergency services dramatically arrived on the scene, but the attacker is still at large.
The female victim was rushed to hospital but was sadly pronounced dead in the early hours. Her next of kin have been informed.
A large number of police units remain on scene and conduct extensive searches of the area to locate a male suspect.
The victim and suspect are probably known to each other.
A security guard remains on duty and local road closures have been put in place during the night and morning.
Forensic officers were seen working late into the night, marking evidence and splattering blood on the pavement.
Police have launched a murder investigation after a woman died following a 'serious attack' in Plymouth
Armed police swarmed areas of Plymouth last night after reports of a 'serious attack' in the city. A murder investigation has now been launched
Emergency services attended the scene in the West Hoe area of Plymouth at around 9pm last night
Armed police also searched a flat close to the waterfront, where the police cordon has been placed.
A witness at the scene last night told MailOnline: 'The scene doesn't look very good.
'I arrived at a quarter past nine. When I arrived on the scene, the incident was still in its early stages and armed police had been deployed.
“Then 15 minutes later a police response team had arrived.”
DCI David Pebworth said: 'The cordons are likely to remain in place for the rest of the day and police units will remain in the area.
“I would like to make the public aware that in connection with this incident we are looking for a man whose identity is unknown and investigations are underway to find him.
'At this time I would like to reassure the community and beyond in Plymouth that there is no suggestion that there is a greater risk to members of the public.
'There will be an increased police presence and visibility in the area over the coming days while investigations are ongoing.
'We will of course keep the public informed as soon as we have more information.'
This is a breaking news story. More to follow.
