A MURDER investigation has been launched after a woman died in Ulverston.

Police were contacted in the early hours of this morning (Monday, February 20), at 1.30am after a woman was found unconscious in the area of County Square.

The woman, aged in her 20s, was declared dead.

The victim is said to have lived locally.

Live updates: Murder probe launched as woman in 20s found dead in Ulverston

A 61-year-old man with an address in Lancashire was arrested on suspicion of murder alongside a 40-year-old woman and a 28-year-old man who are both described as ‘local’.

They were detained in police custody.

The death has been described as leaving a ‘sickening numbness’.

Ulverston mayor Michelle Scrogham said: "I can’t begin to imagine what the family and friends of this young woman are going through and my heart goes out to them; we will all be thinking of them and holding our loved ones a little closer today.

“We are all very closely connected here and when something like this arrives on our doorstep it’s too much to comprehend and leaves a sickening numbness.

"On behalf of the town, I’d like to send our deepest condolences to her family."

Three arrested on suspicion of murder after woman dies in Ulverston

Councillors within Ulverston have expressed their shock at the incident in the ‘quiet market town’ and have sent their thoughts to the family of the victim.

Cllr David Webster said: "It's shocking and so unexpected in such a quiet market town. I don't think anyone was expecting this sort of thing. All of our thoughts go to the family of the poor girl."

Ulverston Central councillor Graham Scrogham said: "My first thoughts are with family and friends of this young woman and my heart goes out to them.

"This is a devastating event and will reverberate throughout our whole community.

"On behalf of the Town, I’d like to send our deepest condolences to her family."

A cordon was put in place as officers continue their inquiries. 

Tributes paid after death of woman in Ulverston sparks murder probe

Police tape was placed across the Laurel and Hardy statue near The Coronation Hall and all around County Square.

Officers are appealing for anyone with information to get in touch.

They are particularly keen to hear from anyone who witnessed what occurred or the moments leading up to it, as well as anyone else with information which may assist detectives.

Anyone with information relating to this incident can report online at www.cumbria.police.uk/report-it, quoting incident number 13 of 20 February 2023.

You can also phone on 101.

Alternatively, you can contact Crimestoppers, anonymously, on 0800 555 111.