Police have arrested a man on suspicion of murder, following the disappearance of a woman who has “not been seen for a significant period of time”.

Diane Douglas, from Colton, near Norwich, was reported missing on 21 October by family members “who had lost contact with her for several years”. Police have not said when, if it is known, she was last seen alive.

Relatives got in touch with Norfolk Constabulary after several unsuccessful attempts to get in touch with the 58-year-old, officers said.

On Saturday evening, police arrested a 56-year-old man in Wales on suspicion of murder. He was known to Ms Douglas, the force said in a statement, and was due to be taken to Norfolk for questioning.

The Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team said that after making a number of inquiries to trace Ms Douglas, to no avail, they had declared the case a so-called “no body” murder investigation.

Detective Inspector Matthew Connick said: “Although we hope to find Diane alive, we do believe it is highly likely that she has come to harm as she has not been seen for a significant period of time. We have therefore launched a murder investigation.

“A man has been arrested and will be questioned in due course on suspicion of her murder.

Cute alert! First baby seals of the season spotted on Norfolk beach

Banksy confirms he was behind ‘Spraycation’ street art that began appearing last week

Speed limit to be cut on road where Prince Philip crashed his car after spate of serious accidents

“We have a team of officers searching her last known address in Colton and we expect this search to continue for a number of days.”

Anyone with information should contact Norfolk Police on 101 quoting Operation Entity.

Related posts:

Limits on weddings in England to be scrapped from 21 June – but rules on singing and dancing remain All over-18s in England able to book jab by end of week, NHS boss expects Where should you wear face masks on public transport in England? ‘Mona Lisa’ of stamps returns to Britain for first time in 143 years ‘Email me’, says PM as he calls for ideas for his ‘levelling up’ plan – as critics attack ‘vapid’ slogan Booster jabs can be booked a month in advance as hospitals see 14 times more COVID patients than this time last year Javid announces inquiry into David Fuller case and apologises to victims’ families Watchdog investigating Captain Sir Tom Moore charity after concerns raised about its accounts PM tells Russia that NATO will ‘draw lines in the snow’ over Ukraine crisis Number waiting for routine hospital treatment in England hits record high of 6.1m Prince Charles tests positive for COVID for second time Kurt Zouma’s brother Yoan suspended by Dagenham & Redbridge after filming cat kicking video