Emergency services are seen near the abandoned black car, with the crime scene cordoned off
The area where her body was found has been cordoned off (Picture: Solent News)

A murder investigation has been launched after a woman in her 30s was discovered dead next to a vehicle on a country road.

The woman’s cause of death is currently unknown, and she has not been formally identified – but her next of kin have been informed of her death.

The quiet road is near Owlesbury, Hampshire, which has less than 900 residents, who are said to be shocked by the murder.

One local told the Mail Online: ‘We are a close-knit village and as soon as we saw the police car racing through the village on Tuesday evening we knew something was wrong.

‘Our village fete takes place on Sunday and I am sure all of our thoughts will be with those involved in this sad discovery.’

Hampshire Police said in a statement: ‘We were called at 5.51pm on Tuesday 3 September after the body of a woman in her 30s was found near to Whaddon Lane, Owslebury.

A police car sits near the crime scene cordon
Police have launched a murder investigation (Picture: Solent News)

‘A homicide investigation has been launched to establish the cause of her death, but officers are keeping an open mind at this early stage of our enquiries.

‘The woman has not been formally identified, but her next of kin have been informed and are being supported by specialist officers.’

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