A MASSIVE police hunt was launched after a 16-year-old boy allegedly murdered a woman in Weymouth.

Detectives investigating the alleged murder are appealing for witnesses and anyone with information to come forward.

At 1.06pm on Saturday Dorset Police received a report that a woman had been injured within an address along Benville Road in Weymouth.

Officers attended and the body of a woman was discovered.

Armed police swarmed around the area checking cars and properties in the area.

The youth was later arrested and taken into custody.

The woman’s death is being treated as suspicious and officers, assisted by the Force helicopter, searched the surrounding area. Investigators performed house-to-house enquiries in and around Benville Road.

A cordon has been put in place around the property while forensic experts examine the scene.

Next of kin have not yet been informed. The Coroner is aware.

Detective Inspector Marcus Hester, of Dorset Police’s Major Crime Team, said: “I can confirm that Dorset Police has launched an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the deceased woman.

“As a result, members of the public may have noticed increased police activity within the Weymouth area.

“This incident is not connected to the Olympic preparations currently ongoing in Weymouth and Portland."

A 16-year-old local boy has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is helping officers with their enquiries.

DI Hester continued: “Even though someone has been arrested, I would still like to speak with anyone who saw anything suspicious or unusual in the Benville Road area between 11am on Friday 20 July and 1pm on Saturday 21 July 2012.”