Murder detectives are questioning a man after the body of a barmaid was found dumped outside garages in a quiet Berkshire market town.
The victim, named locally as 25-year-old mother-of-three Janine Bowater, was discovered dead in Thatcham, Berkshire in the early hours of this morning.
A 32-year-old man from the town has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is currently being questioned by police.
Police in Thatcham today after the body of a mother-of-three was found this morning
Friends paid tribute to Ms Bowater, who they said had three young children, sons Lee and Logan and a younger daughter, Teegan.
The Kings Head pub in Thatcham where Janine worked as a barmaid, was closed after Ms Bowater’s colleagues were told she had died.
A posting on the pub’s Facebook page read: ‘Unfortunately the pub won’t be open today due to shattering news we received this morning.’
Regulars at the pub added comments, with one posting: ‘Feeling for you all, we’re absolutely taken aback and gutted.’
Police forensics experts are examining the scene as detectives question a 32-year-old man
A bouquet of flowers was laid at the police cordon, with the message: ‘To the greatest mummy and loving girlfriend with all our love, Lee, Logan and Teegan.’
A Thames Valley Police spokesman said: ‘We have launched a murder investigation following an incident in Thatcham.
‘Officers were called this morning at 2.05am following reports that a woman had died in Park Lane.
‘They attended, along with the ambulance service. Sadly, a 25-year-old woman was pronounced dead. Her next of kin have been informed.
‘A 32-year-old man from Thatcham has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in police custody.’
Friends said Ms Bowater had three children and worked at a local pub, which is shut today
Senior investigating officer, Detective Superintendent Ian Hunter said: ‘We are in the early stages of our investigation into this incident.
‘A scenewatch is in place, and officers will be in the area today while our enquiries continue.
‘I understand that this incident will cause concern in the community, but I would like to reassure people that we are carrying out a thorough investigation and that we have made an arrest in connection with it.
‘Members of the public should feel free to approach officers if they have any concerns.’
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