Adam GrettonA 32-year-old man was lhas been detained under the Mental Health Act following the death of a woman at a south Norfolk village.Adam Gretton

A 32-year-old man was last night detained under the Mental Health Act following the killing of a woman at a south Norfolk village.

A murder inquiry was launched on Monday night after the 54-year-old woman was found stabbed to death in a house at Needham, near Harleston, on the Norfolk-Suffolk border.

A 32-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder following the incident in the centre of the village.

A spokesman from Norfolk Police yesterday confirmed that the man, who has not yet been named, had been sectioned under the mental health act.

Detectives are still waiting to question the man following his arrest.

He was detained shortly after police and paramedics attended the home on the corner of High Road and Brook Lane at about 6.15pm on Monday.

The victim, who has also not yet been named by police, suffered a stab wound to the neck and was pronounced dead at the scene.

A post mortem examination was being carried out yesterday .

Rev David Jackson, vicar of St Peter's Church, in Needham, said the church would be open for longer hours between 10am and 4pm today and over the weekend for neighbours, friends and family to pray, reflect, and leave messages in a book of condolences.

'The news has come as a shock to us all and the clergy team are there to support and help in any way we can and we are working with the Safer Neighbourhood Team to help in the community. Our heartfelt sympathy goes to the family,' he said.