Man, 47, due in court charged with Stratford woman's murder

Police talk to a neighbour outside the Regan St property. Photo / Herald on Sunday / Glenn Jeffrey

A 47-year-old man is due to appear in the New Plymouth District Court today charged with murder, following the death of a 71-year-old woman on Friday.

Police said they received a call about 10pm on Friday, after a local from Stratford heard shouting coming from a nearby house.

When they arrived at the house, a 71-year-old woman was found dead at the scene. She was yesterday named as Gwendoline Blake.

A post mortem examination completed yesterday revealed Ms Blake died as a result of being seriously assaulted, police said.

No details on the nature of her injuries will be released.

A scene examination at the property was ongoing and items of interest have been taken for forensic examination.

A 47-year-old male was arrested at the scene on Friday and was charged with the woman's murder.

He is due to re-appear at New Plymouth District Court today.

Police said the man and woman knew each other, but would not make any further comment.