Murder probe launched after woman, 38, found dead at house in Staffordshire

Published 15 October 2026, 11:02

• Donna Ann Reece died at a property on Clayton Lane, Newcastle-under-Lyme, on October 12
• 'We are heartbroken' said her family, begging for privacy as detectives hunt her killer
• Arrested — a 47-year-old man from Stoke-on-Trent, now bailed while the murder inquiry continues

A murder investigation has been launched after Donna Ann Reece, 38, from Newcastle-under-Lyme, was found dead at a house on Clayton Lane, Staffordshire, on Monday, October 12.

Reece's family broke their silence in a statement, saying: "We are heartbroken to learn of the loss of Donna. We cannot come to terms with this."

They added: "We would like to ask for privacy at this time whilst the investigation is ongoing."

Specialist officers have been assigned to support Reece's family throughout the inquiry.

A 47-year-old man from the nearby city of Stoke-on-Trent was arrested on suspicion of murder in connection with her death.

He was initially held in custody before being released on conditional bail as detectives continued their enquiries, according to staffordshire.police.uk.

No further details about the circumstances of Reece's death or the identity of the arrested man have been made public at this stage of the investigation.

Detectives have set up a Major Incident Public Portal, urging anyone with information to come forward.

Members of the public can submit information, CCTV footage, doorbell camera recordings, and dashcam footage — anonymously if they wish — via mipp.police.uk.