Murder squad detectives were continuing to question a 25-year-old man last night after a woman was found strangled in a caravan behind a house.

Police were alerted shortly before 5pm on Tuesday by paramedics who had been called to an assault in Wood Lane, Swain House, Bradford.

Officers found the woman’s body at the house and she was certified dead by the paramedics.

A post-mortem examination was taking place by a Home Office forensic pathologist last night to confirm the cause of the 22-year-old woman’s death.

The 25-year-old man, who was arrested at the scene, remained in custody last night.

It is understood the house is shared by two women, but the victim did not live at the address. She has not yet been formally identified.

Police are investigating the relationship between the dead woman and the man in custody.

A police spokesman said: “At 4.58pm on Tuesday, November 5, police were notified by ambulance crews that they were attending a report of an assault at Wood Lane in Swain House, Bradford.

“On arrival, the body of a 22-year-old woman was discovered inside a caravan at the rear of the house. Paramedics confirmed that she was dead.

“A 25-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody. Officers are appealing for anyone with information on this incident to contact police at Bradford on 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.”

Yesterday residents in Wood Lane told of their shock as news of the women’s death reached them.

One said: “I came back from work and just saw the police here. They said they were cordoning the area off and asked if we’d heard anything.

“I only knew them as neighbours to say hello to in passing and they seemed lovely. We’re all shocked, they were just two ladies as far as I knew. It’s pretty quiet around here, everybody speaks to each other and would help each other out, but nobody lives in each other’s pockets.

“The house just seemed quiet, they never drew attention to themselves or were any trouble. Some people have arguments and you can’t help but hear, but you never heard anything from them.

“None of us have had much sleep as the police have been here all night. It’s just sad and all too close to home.”

Another long-term resident said: “We’ve been here 20 years and know most people on the street, but I didn’t know who lived there. Police came round last night to ask questions but I couldn’t tell them anything.”

Another neighbour said: “I saw the ambulance pulling up but didn’t pay much attention to it. I don’t know the people who lived there to be honest, they must have kept themselves to themselves.”

Last night the dead girl was named locally as ‘Jade’ who worked at The In Plaice fish and chip shop on Sunbridge Road in Bradford city centre.
The manager of its sister shop Drake Fisheries said: “It was more than a shock – and she has two kids as well. She was polite, pleasant and good with customers and staff. All the staff were upset about it when they heard.”