The 55-year-old, who has not yet been named, was found at the foot of a wall in the rear yard of a shop near The Bull's Head on High Street, Mexborough, last night.

It is understood she was The Bulls Head's landlady, Marie Brookes.

Paramedics pronounced the woman dead at the scene but police have not yet revealed any details of her injuries.

One of South Yorkshire Police's top detectives, Det Supt Richard Fewkes, is leading the investigation.

A post mortem examination of her body was due to be carried out by a Home Office pathologist later today.

The scene was cordoned off this morning and under police guard while a forensic examination of the area was carried out. Four police officers were guarding the scene, and a police van was parked on Garden Street, behind the pub.

Part of High Street was closed to vehicles from its junction with Bank Street, and Garden Street was also closed off to allow police teams to work.

A 62-year-old man was arrested last night on suspicion of murder and was in still in custody this morning being quizzed by detectives.

Police were called to the scene by paramedics, who answered a 999 call to help the woman.

Firefighters were also requested because of problems experienced by emergency services in reaching the woman's body. Crews from Mexborough and Brampton fire stations were sent just after 11pm and provided ladders to help paramedics reach the body at the foot of the wall.

Local shopkeeper Kevin Lupton, owner of News Tyme opposite the pub, said: "It is a bit of a shock but I've no idea what is really going on. I was here from 5.30am and the police were already outside the pub.

"There are a lot of rumours but the police aren't saying anything so no-one really knows what's going on. What people are saying is that someone has been stabbed."

South Yorkshire Police were expected to disclose more details about the woman's identity and the cause of her death later today.

The Doncaster Coroner, Stanley Hooper, has been informed of her death and is expected to open an inquest next week.

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