Man, 71, is arrested for murdering 70-year-old woman

A 71-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a woman 15 months after she was discovered dead in her back garden.

The body of 70-year-old Sandra Geogheghan was found at the rear of a detached property in Market Harborough, Leicestershire, on August 12 last year. 

Leicestershire Police said a pensioner has now been arrested on suspicion of murder and remains in custody being quizzed by detectives.

Police said the victim was found face down in a pond and pronounced dead at the scene. A post mortem concluded the cause of her death was unexplained.

Tributes online describe Mrs Geogheghan – who was known by her middle name Elaine and lived with her 71-year-husband Michael, known as ‘Mick’ – as a ‘beloved wife, loving mother of two and a much-loved nan.’ 

Grief stricken friends paid tribute to a, ‘beautiful lady with a wonderful sense of humour, who loved life.’

In its newsletter, the local church offered prayers, ‘to Michael Geoghegan on the sudden and unexpected death of his dear wife Elaine’. 

Elaine Geogheghan was found dead at the property in Leicestershire last year

The body of Elaine Geogheghan was found at the rear of a detached property in Market Harborough, Leicestershire. Pictured, police at the scene today 

Specialist officers have been deployed to support the family today

Forensic investigators remain on the scene in the cul-de-sac today 

Paramedics were called to the scene last August but despite efforts to revive Mrs Geogheghan, she was pronounced dead at the scene.  

Leicestershire police said today: ‘Enquiries carried out since Elaine’s death it has been deemed appropriate to launch a murder investigation.’

Forensic officers could today be seen searching a property on the leafy cul-de-sac, where house prices average around £300,000.

Detectives also used an aerial drone in the neighbourhood as they appealed for anyone who saw anything suspicious on the day of the murder to get in touch.  

Officers were also going door-to-door in the neighbourhood talking to residents about what they might have seen or heard around the time of Mrs Geogheghan’s death.

Police have been combing the back garden in Leicestershire today

Forensic officers could today be seen searching a property on the leafy cul-de-sac, where house prices average around £300,000

Leicestershire Police have launched a murder investigation into the death of the woman in August 2019

Paramedics were called to the scene last August but despite efforts to revive the victim, she was pronounced dead at the scene

Detective Inspector Nicole Main from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit Major Crime Team said: ‘Elaine’s body was found at a time of day when there would have been activity in the area with people going about their daily business. 

‘Dog walkers might have been out and about or families taking children out for the day during the summer holidays.

‘I appreciate 15 months have passed and it will be hard to recall what you were doing that day, but something might have stuck in your mind.

‘Were you in the area that day? Did you see or hear anything suspicious?

‘I am asking for anyone with any information to get in touch. Any detail no matter how insignificant you think it may be could help with our investigation.

‘Elaine’s family have been left devastated by her death and we are determined to find out exactly what happened to her.’

Anyone with information that could assist the investigation is asked to call 101 quoting Operation Kilter.