Man arrested after Bristol woman found dead
The body of the pensioner, named by neighbours as Sheila Iles, was discovered by police at her house in Seymour Road at 8.15am yesterday. It is thought she was stabbed to death.
Detectives arrested a 42-year-old man on suspicion of murder shortly afterwards after a search of the area involving the police helicopter.
The arrested man was named locally as Mrs Iles' son Gary, although police would not confirm his identity last night.
The Bristol Evening Post reported yesterday how much of Seymour Road was cordoned off as forensics officers carried out investigations.
Mrs Iles, a widow, is thought to have spent most of her life in the street.
Friends said she lived with two grown-up sons, Gary and Matthew, in her end-of-terrace home. They said a third son, Bob, died about five years ago.
Neighbours spoke of their shock and disbelief that "such a lovely lady" could be killed in their street.
One young mum, who asked not to be named, said she heard police breaking into the house at about 8.15am. She said: "I heard loud banging and saw about six officers running into the house. Two rushed back out on their radios, and you could tell they were pretty agitated. Then a first response ambulance came around the corner and parked.
"I heard from my partner that someone had stabbed Mrs Iles and gone on the run."
She added: "Mrs Iles was a lovely lady, and I used to see her doing her shopping.I just knew her to say hello to in the street, but she was always pleasant and friendly."
Another neighbour, Ray King, 71, said: "It is very, very sad.
"I knew her to speak to in the street, and every time she walked past she was just a real lady.
"I knew something was amiss as I heard a police helicopter overhead for about an hour while I was watering my plants."
Mr King, of nearby Gloucester Road, has known the Iles family for more than 50 years.
He said: "I saw Gary on Monday. As I was coming along the street he said 'hello Ray'."
Another neighbour, Liz Thorpe, 57, who lives 200 yards from Mrs Iles' home in Seymour Road, said: "I have known her ever since I moved her when I was five.
"It is unbelievable."
Avon and Somerset police spokesman Steve Game said: "We were called to a disturbance at Seymour Road, Staple Hill at around 8.15am this morning.
"The body of a 78-year-old woman was found, and she appears to have suffered a violent assault.
"A 42-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder and our inquiries are continuing."
