A body has been found at the foot of an 80m crag in the Yorkshire Dales.
The Clapham-based Cave Rescue Organisation was called out early today to recover the man’s body from the foot of Malham Cove.
North Yorkshire Police were contacted at 10pm last night by a man who informed them of a woman’s death in Moortown, Leeds.
A West Yorkshire Police spokesperson said its officers went to the address in Talbot Avenue and found the body of a 67-year-old woman inside the house.
The spokesperson said: “The call also raised concerns for the welfare of the man and officers from both forces began enquiries to locate him.
“At 2.30am today the body of a 54-year-old man was found at the foot of Malham Cove.
“Detective Chief Inspector Jim Dunkerley of West Yorkshire Police said: “Our enquiries are still at an early stage but we are treating the woman’s death as murder.
“We are not yet in a position to confirm the identities of those involved. We are not looking for anyone else in connection with this incident.”
A CRO spokesperson said: “Due to an extended investigation by the police, the recovery was delayed until late morning.
“There was a short stretcher carry and transfer to a team vehicle for handover in Malham village.”