DETECTIVES are treating the discovery yesterday morning of a woman's body at her Abergavenny flat as suspicious.

The woman, named locally as Sarah Barker, a 32-year-old private nurse, was discovered at her Nevill Street flat at around 11.25am.

After the grim discovery, Gwent Police forensic officers began gathering evidence at the block of flats and uniformed officers conducted house-to-house inquiries.

One Abergavenny man who knew the woman said he was shocked by her death. He said: "She was a very, very nice responsible girl. Her death has come as a nasty shock."

It is believed a friend of the woman became concerned when she was unable to contact her. Her body was discovered after a search of the flat.

The woman, whose family live in Crickhowell, is understood to have lived at the block of flats since just before Christmas.

She is believed to have lived at a different flat within the block several years ago.

The police investigation was being carried out as shoppers went about their business in the town centre yesterday.

Justin Harris, 28, of Abergavenny said townspeople were saddened by the news of her death.

He said: "Nothing like this happens in Abergavenny, it is normally a quiet town. People are really shocked and upset." Richard Harrhy, 42, of Harrhy's Carpets, Lion Street, said everyone was talking about the death.

"All the customers were asking what happened and there was a bunch of shoppers at the end of Nevill Street watching the forensics," he said.

"It is very sad, the woman was so young. Our thoughts go out to her family."

A Gwent Police spokeswoman said detectives, led by Detective Inspector Roger Fortey, were trying to establish the cause of death.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Gwent Police on 01633 838111. All calls will be treated in confidence.