A POLICE manhunt was launched today after a woman was found dead at her Hampshire home.

The body of Valerie Edwards was discovered by police who went to investigate a report that she had gone missing.

Officers found the body of the mother-of-two, aged in her 40s, who ran an after school club on a Winchester housing estate inside the house in a normally quiet cul-de-sac.

Detectives sealed the property and scenes of crime officers moved in to examine the house.

Later yesterday afternoon some 15 policemen searched a nearby youth centre for a man they want to question about the death.

Officers, some in riot gear and with dogs, searched the centre but left after a fruitless two-hour search.

Last night police revealed few details about the death and have not formally identified the victim.

A post-mortem was due to be carried out by Home Office pathologist Basil Purdue last night.

Detectives say they are seeking to question a man about the death but released no more details.

More on this story in tonight's Southern Daily Echo.