Victim named as Rotherham murder investigation continues

A woman who died which led to a murder investigation being launched yesterday (Friday 25 August) in Rotherham has been named as 27-year-old Abbie Leigh Downing.

Police were called to a property on Plowmans Way, Wingfield, at 3.45am yesterday morning following reports from paramedics they were treating a woman in her 20s with serious injuries.

Abbie was taken to hospital where sadly, despite the best efforts of medical professionals, she was pronounced dead. Enquiries are now continuing to determine the cause of death.

Formal identification has taken place and Abbie’s family are being supported by officers. They have released this photo of Abbie.

We now ask that their privacy is respected at this extremely difficult time.

Detective Chief Inspector Andy Knowles, leading the investigation, said: “I know incidents like this can have a devastating impact on the wider community and we are working round the clock to determine exactly what happened to Abbie.

"We would at this point like to thank Abbie’s family for working with us at what must be a truly devastating time for them.

"I would encourage the public to avoid speculation into what happened as our enquiries continue.”

The 28-year-old man from Rotherham who was arrested on suspicion of murder following Abbie’s death remains in police custody as enquiries continue.

If you have any information which could assist our officers, please contact 101 quoting incident number 88 of 25 August.

Alternatively, if you prefer not to give your personal details, you can stay anonymous and pass on what you know by contacting the independent charity Crimestoppers. Call their UK Contact Centre on freephone 0800 555 111 or complete a simple and secure anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org

Abbie Leigh Downing