A man in his 30s has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a 22-year-old woman in the early hours of Wednesday morning on the A379 near Kingsbridge, Devon.

Emergency services were called to Embankment Road at New Bridge at approximately 4.45am on April 23, after reports of a serious incident involving a pedestrian. Upon arrival, police and paramedics found the woman with severe injuries, but despite their best efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

The tragic incident, originally reported as a collision, has now escalated into a murder investigation, with Devon and Cornwall Police confirming the arrest of a local man. He remains in police custody and is being questioned by detectives.

“We are treating this as a murder inquiry,” said a police spokesperson. “Our investigation is in its early stages, and we are working to establish the full circumstances that led to this young woman’s death.”

The woman’s next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.

Appeal for Witnesses

Officers are urging anyone who may have been driving or walking in the New Bridge area of the A379 around the time of the incident to come forward. In particular, police are appealing for:

• Dashcam footage from vehicles passing through between 4am and 5am
• Witnesses who may have seen suspicious activity
• Anyone who may have seen the woman prior to the incident

Anyone with information is asked to contact Devon and Cornwall Police on 101, quoting log number 108 of 23 April, or contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Community in Shock

The incident has sent shockwaves through the Kingsbridge community, with local residents expressing sadness and disbelief at the nature of the young woman’s death.

“This is such a quiet area, and something like this is completely unexpected,” one local said. “Our thoughts are with her family.”

Police have increased patrols in the area to reassure the public, while detectives from the Major Crime Investigation Team continue to examine the scene.

Further updates will be provided as the investigation progresses.