Police have urged the public not to speculate about the circumstances surrounding the death of a woman in Dartmouth, after a number of unconfirmed claims have circulated online.

Emergency services were called at approximately 9.20 pm on Tuesday, October 6, following reports of a “serious disturbance” at a property on Newcomen Road.

The incident prompted a major multi-agency response, with police, ambulance crews, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service and the Devon Air Ambulance among those attending.

Devon and Cornwall Police confirmed on Wednesday, October 7, that a woman in her 40s was pronounced deceased at the scene and a man in his 40s was taken to hospital with facial injuries, which are not believed to be life-changing.

A local man in his 30s was arrested at the scene on suspicion of murder and remains in police custody.

The circumstances surrounding the incident have not yet been released by police, and the force has urged people not to draw conclusions from unverified information circulating online.

A spokesperson for Devon and Cornwall Police said: “As previously stated in our release, we are asking people not to speculate about the incident while investigations continue.

“We would advise members of the public to follow our updates to ensure they are receiving the correct information.”

Some online publications have suggested a terrorism-related response team were present, but no such information has been released by Devon and Cornwall Police or Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service.

The presence of a National Inter-agency Liaison Officer (NILO) at the scene has also been referenced online.

However, Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service confirmed that a NILO was photographed at the scene but explained that the role is not specific to terrorist incidents.

A spokesperson said: “It is a very standard role that is used when a multi-agency incident happens, and different agencies need to work and communicate with each other.

“That can be anything from large-scale RTCs to wildfires; it isn’t just used in incidents like the one here.”

The service said the presence of the officer should therefore not be taken as an indication of the nature of the incident.

The inclusion of unconfirmed references to terrorism-related specialist teams has also contributed to speculation online, including comments containing racially charged and inflammatory language.

Speculation - especially on social media - can severely compromise a criminal investigation by contaminating evidence, diverting critical police resources, and jeopardising fair trials.

Both Devon and Cornwall Police and Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service have confirmed that details concerning any weapons or specialist response teams have not been released and should not be speculated upon.

Newcomen Road was cordoned off following the incident but has since reopened.

A police presence remains in the area while the investigation continues, with a scene guard still in place at the property.

Police have said there is currently nothing to indicate a wider threat to the public, and they are not seeking any other suspects at this time.

If you have any information or footage that could help with enquiries, please contact police via our website or by calling 101 quoting reference number 50260268774.

Alternatively, independent charity Crimestoppers can be contacted anonymously online at Crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling freephone 0800 555111.