A resident, who asked to remain anonymous, said they were “deeply shocked and saddened” by what had happened.

“The life of another woman has been claimed at the hands of a man,” they said.

“It hits home hard.”

Det Ch Insp Dave Pebworth said: “I wish to make the public aware we are looking to locate a man in relation to this incident whose identity is known and inquiries are ongoing to find him.

“At this time, I would like to reassure the community and further afield in Plymouth that there is no suggestion that there is a wider risk to members of the public.”

He said there would be a “heightened police presence and visibility in the coming days in the area” as inquiries continued.