Man arrested on suspicion of murdering social worker

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Man arrested on suspicion of murdering social worker

A man has been arrested on suspicion of murdering a social worker.

Sarah Henshaw, aged 40, was found dead at her flat in the Armley district of Leeds on the morning of the 11th February.

Around half an hour later, a man fell from a city centre bridge overlooking the A64 road. He was taken to hospital and arrested on suspicion of murder.

Latest reports indicate that he remains in hospital where he is being treated for the extensive injuries received in his fall.

Making a statement on the matter, Detective Chief Inspector Mark Swift said: “The man arrested on suspicion of her murder remains in a stable condition in hospital with injuries that are serious but are not believed to be life-threatening. He is under police guard and it is likely that he will need to remain in hospital for some time yet.”

An ‘absolutely amazing lady’

Those who knew Sarah have taken to social media in order to pay tribute to her.

Lainey Kellett, who was Sarah’s hairdresser, said:

“She was an absolute amazing lady. Enjoyed seeing her smiley face every visit. Genuinely devastated to hear this news…sending my love and condolences to her family and friends”

A friend of Sarah’s told local press:

“Devastated at the loss of a much loved friend and wonderful compassionate human being. My condolences to family and friends. RIP Sarah.”

Another friend, Chloe Johnson, said:

“RIP beautiful. You will be missed deeply by our friends and family who know you”.

Although police can usually only hold an arrested murder suspect for up to 96 hours before releasing or charging them, there is special dispensation in this case as the suspect was taken straight to hospital.

Under the Police and Criminal Evidence Act (1984) the suspect remains under arrest without charge, as the time spent in hospital ‘shall not be so included’ in the usual deadlines for charge or release.

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