Murder inquiry over Barnsley town centre death
A woman found dead in the centre of Barnsley suffered "a very severe" attack, police have said.
South Yorkshire Police has launched a murder investigation after the discovery of Claire Louise Smith's body on Saturday. The 42-year-old, who was from the Barnsley town centre area, was found at 06:50 BST in Union Street. Her family has been informed and police are appealing for any witnesses to come forward. Det Supt Phil Etheridge said: "We are still in the early stages of this investigation, which is now being treated as a murder inquiry. "We are keen to hear from anyone who was in the area or has any information that may assist with our investigation."