A female pensioner in her 70s was sexually assaulted and stabbed to death in a street attack.
West Mercia Police said the attack happened in Kleve Walk, Worcester, at around 2am on Sunday.
A 56-year-old man was arrested at the scene on suspicion of attempted murder and has now been further arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. He remains in custody.
The woman, 71, was taken to hospital in a critical condition with multiple stab wounds.
Chief Inspector Brian Gibbs said: ‘We are treating the incident in the early hours of this morning as an isolated incident and there is no further risk to the wider public.
Kleve Walk is closed off as a crime scene along the River Severn
‘However, we understand the impact the concerning nature of this incident has had on the local community and want to let those visiting the city centre this evening know of the steps we’re taking to help make them feel safer.
‘The mobile police station will be situated in the area with officers there to speak to members of the public.
‘Extra officers will also be carrying out patrols in and around the river path which will continue throughout the rest of the weekend.
‘I really would encourage anyone who is concerned to speak to one of my officers either at the mobile police station or officer on patrol.’
Police at the scene of a stabbing in Worcester
The 72-year-old woman was rushed to Queen Elizabeth Hospital in Birmingham after being stabbed multiple times shortly after 2am this morning
