Irish woman found strangled to death at apartment complex in Spain

Spanish police are investigating

The victim has been named locally as Catherine 'Cat' Peckham, aged 66. She is reportedly originally from Cork.

Peckham, who was born Catherine Murray, is understood to have been living in Spain for some time, and had links to the UK.

She was discovered unresponsive at an apartment in Benidorm.

Spain's Guardia Civil is investigating her death as suspicious, and believe she was murdered on September 17.

They said she was strangled to death with a vacuum cleaner.

Police have detained a 63-year-old British woman for questioning in relation to her death. She was arrested at the scene.

The Olive Press reports that the suspect has thus far refused to give a statement to police.

It is believed the suspect was living with Peckham for a few days before the incident, and reports indicate that arguments could be heard 48 hours before Peckham's death.

Peckham is understood to have known the woman and offered her a place to live when she learned that she had nowhere else to go.