A scene watch is in place in Ellis Road, Crowthorne, following the suspected murder of a woman in her fifties

Police arrived at the scene in Ellis Road just before 11.30pm last night (Sunday, October 2) where they found a woman in her fifties dead inside the property.

A man in his mid-fifties was found with stab wounds and arrested on suspicion of murder but was being treated at Reading's Royal Berkshire Hospital. 

The Ellis Road property, a detached bungalow, is owned by Michael Rough, the owner of Wentworth Tree Care Ltd.

Described by neighbours as 'well-known' in the area, Mr Rough owns the £500,000 home in the leafy, quiet street which was placed under a scene watch by police today. 

Forensic teams entered the house on Monday afternoon as police continued their investigations into the suspected murder. 

Neighbours said they heard little disturbance, but said two police cars and two ambulances turned up.

One woman, who did not want to be named, said: "We only got home around 11.30pm last night but we didn't see anything.

"We don't really know much. Mike who owns the house is quite well known in the area because he runs a tree care company.

"It's shocking."

A neighbour from a few doors further down the road said he was 'in shock' after hearing about the incident.

He said: "It's absolutely shocking, you don't expect things like that to happen. This is a quiet area.

"I sometimes see Mike walking his dog in the woods but that's all really, I didn't know too much about him.

"I'm gobsmacked. I didn't hear anything at all last night."

Senior investigating officer Det Ch Insp Ailsa Kent, from Thames Valley Police's Major Crime Unit, said: "A murder investigation has begun following the discovery of a woman's body in a house in Crowthorne. Although we are in the early stages of conducting enquiries, this is thought to have been an isolated incident and it is believed the victim was known to the offender.

"I would like to appeal for any witnesses who may have seen or heard anything suspicious in that area at around the time of the incident.

"Officers will be present in the area of Ellis Road and anyone who has any information or concerns can approach an officer to speak to them."

The woman's next of kin has been informed and are being supported by specially-trained officers.

Anyone with any information about the incident should contact the 24-hour Thames Valley Police enquiry centre on 101 or call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.