Police have launched a murder inquiry after the body of a 30-year-old woman was found at her home in Crawley.

Officers were alerted by a neighbour who became concerned after hearing screaming. It is thought the victim had been stabbed.

The body was found at the woman's end-of-terrace home in Kilnmead, Northgate, at 9.08am yesterday.

The woman, who is not being named until relatives are informed, is believed to have three young children.

A post-mortem examination was carried out yesterday afternoon by a Home Office pathologist.

Police arrested a 55-year-old man at the house. The inquiry is being led by Detective Chief Inspector John Levett at Crawley.

Last night the house was cordoned off while scenes of crime officers carried out a forensic search inside.

Neighbours said they did not know the family very well. One expressed sorrow about the children who she thought were aged between five and ten.

DCI Levett said: "I can confirm we are treating the incident as murder and that the victim was stabbed.

"We are appealing to the public to come forward if they have any information about the incident."

Anyone with information should contact Crawley Police on 0845 607099.