UPDATE: Man arrested on suspicion of murder after body found in Alderney

• A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a woman's body was found at the base of cliffs in Alderney
• Guernsey Police received a report at 11.04pm on Sunday 27 September, leading to a search and rescue operation at cliffs known locally as The Guns
• Channel Islands Air Search spotted a person in the water at 4.28am on Monday, and the woman was confirmed deceased following a joint rescue operation
• The arrested man was initially treated at Alderney hospital before being transferred to police custody; police say there is no ongoing risk to the community
• Detective Superintendent Jonathan Bancroft has urged people to avoid speculation on social media, emphasising the investigation remains active and open-minded

A 44-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder following the death of a woman whose body was recovered from the sea at the base of cliffs in Alderney.

Guernsey Police launched a criminal investigation after the woman was found deceased during a joint rescue operation in the early hours of Monday morning.

Detective Superintendent Jonathan Bancroft said officers received a report of an incident in Alderney at 11.04pm on Sunday 27 September, which led to a search and rescue operation being launched around cliffs known locally as The Guns.

At approximately 4.28am on Monday 28 September, Channel Islands Air Search reported the first sighting of a person in the water at the base of the cliffs.

A joint rescue operation involving Bailiwick emergency services, the RNLI and the French Coastguard subsequently took place. The woman was confirmed deceased.

The man arrested was initially receiving treatment at the hospital in Alderney and has since been transferred into police custody.

Detective Superintendent Bancroft said enquiries are at an early stage and work is continuing to establish exactly what happened and to support those affected.

"Currently, we are not looking for any other suspects, and we do not believe there is any ongoing risk to the wider community in Alderney," he said.

"Our thoughts and condolences are with the woman's family and those close to her at this extremely difficult time. Specialist officers are supporting them and keeping them updated as the investigation progresses."

He emphasised that the investigation remains active and cautioned against drawing conclusions from the arrest.

"It is important to emphasise that this remains an active investigation. A man has been arrested on suspicion of an offence, but no conclusions should be drawn from that arrest. We are keeping an open mind as to the circumstances and our enquiries will be guided by the evidence," Detective Superintendent Bancroft said.

There will continue to be a significant emergency services presence in Alderney while investigative work is carried out.

Detective Superintendent Bancroft asked people to avoid speculation, particularly on social media, while enquiries continue.

"Alderney is a small and close-knit community, and we recognise the significant impact an incident of this nature will have. Speculation can cause additional distress to those directly affected and has the potential to interfere with an ongoing investigation," he said.

Anyone who may have information that could assist the investigation is asked to contact Guernsey Police on 01481 222222, quoting reference OC26*7304.

This story was updated at 5.27pm