Pensioner, 73, is charged with murder after 71-year-old woman is found dead at home

A pensioner has been charged with murder after a 71-year-old woman was found dead in a house.

Emergency services were called to Sherbourne Avenue in Bradley Stoke at around 2pm on Friday and discovered the woman with serious injuries. 

She was pronounced dead at the scene. 

Gerald Bishop, who lives on the road, was arrested at the property and later charged with murder.

He was remanded in custody and is due to appear at Bristol Magistrates' Court on Monday.

Supt Karen Corrigan of Avon and Somerset Police said: 'We would like to offer our sincere condolences to the woman's grieving family at what will be a devastating time for them, and specially trained officers will provide them with ongoing support.

'The investigation is in its early stages, but we have arrested a man, who remains in police custody, while we seek to gain an understanding of this tragic incident.

'This will come as a great shock to the community, but we do not consider there to be any ongoing risk to the public and if anybody has any concerns, they are welcome to approach officers in the area.

'We will have an increased police presence in the area over coming days in order to carry out vital enquiries as part of this investigation and to provide reassurance to members of the community.'