Woman's body is pulled from river as police arrest man in his 40s 'known to her'

A woman's body has been pulled from a river - as a man known to her has been arrested in connection with her death. 

The woman, who has not been identified publicly by the police, was pulled out of the River Derwent in Malton on Wednesday.

She was discovered at 11.40pm by members of the public and emergency services including fire, ambulance and police crews attended the scene. 

North Yorkshire Police officers then pulled her from the water and performed CPR in a desperate bid to save her. 

The woman was rushed to hospital by ambulance but there was nothing they could do to save her and she died a short time later.

Police have arrested a man in his 40s on Thursday in connection with her death and he remains in custody.

A spokesperson for the force said: 'We are investigating a serious incident in Malton overnight.

'At about 11.40pm on Wednesday 24 April, we were called with a report that a woman was in the River Derwent at Malton.

'Members of the public and police officers pulled the woman out of the water, and performed first aid and CPR.

'She was taken to hospital by ambulance, but sadly she was later pronounced deceased.'

The spokesperson added: 'A man in his 40s, who was known to the woman, has been arrested in connection with her death.

'He remains in custody while our enquiries continue. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

'There is a significant police presence in Malton as we investigate this incident.

'We understand members of the public may be upset or concerned about what has happened - our Neighbourhood Policing Team will be in the town to offer reassurance.'

A North Yorkshire Fire Service spokesperson added: 'Crews from Malton responded to reports of two persons in the water behind the bus station.

'Both persons were rescued by a member of the public prior to our arrival.

'Crews assisted other emergency services on scene with casualty care.'