A MAN has been arrested in connection with the death of a 38-year-old woman whose body was discovered in undergrowth near a brook.

Angela Edwards was found dead on Saturday by officers searching land near to Sutton Brook.

The area was cordoned off to allow forensic examination.

Police say the body has not been formally identified but initial examinations have confirmed it as being that of a woman of similar age to Angela, who was reported missing from her home in St Helens on Friday.

Detectives are treating the woman's death as unexplained until a Home Office post mortem examination is carried out to try and establish a cause of death.

A police statement read: "A 38-year-old local man has been arrested in connection with the incident on suspicion of the offence of murder. He remains in police custody at this time.

"An investigation into the full circumstances of the discovery of the woman's body is ongoing and specilalist family liaison officers are keeping Angela Edwards' next of kin updated of any developments."

Anyone with any information that could help the police investigation is asked to call 0151 777 6811 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.