THE woman found dead in a lay-by near Burford is in her 70s, police have just confirmed.

The woman was discovered by a member of the public near the entrance of Burford Golf Club on teh A361 just after 7am.

Police have said her death is not being treated as suspicious but have not elaborated why that is.

Det Sgt Kerry O’Leary, of Banbury CID, said: "We are seeking to establish the full circumstances surrounding the woman’s death and have lines of enquiry which we are pursuing, but at this stage her death is not being treated as suspicious.

"We have yet to notify the woman’s next of kin and are continuing to make enquiries in order to locate them as soon as possible."

The A361 re-opened around 2pm, police spokesman Craig Evry added.

Police were called to the scene at about 7.05am and a forensics tent was erected near the entrance of the golf club.

It is believed the woman's body has been removed from the scene and police were also seen taking a silver Jaguar away.

There were several cones visible in the roadway.

Inspector Bob Jarrett said earlier this morning: "At 7.05am police were informed that potentially a woman's body was close to the entrance of Burford Golf Club.

"We found the body of a female in the lay-by at that location."

A man who operates a kebab van at the lay-by said he arrived this morning to find the area cordoned off by police.

The A361 was closed this morning from the golf club down to near Cotsworld Wildlife Park, which remained open for business.

Ray Murray, of Windrush Court, The Hill, Burford, said: "A neighbour said to me this morning 'have you heard about the murder at the golf course?'

"We’re very surprised, and it’s not something you expect in a quiet place like Burford.

"The golf club is a very select one.

"The thing about the golf course, which maybe makes it different to quite a few others like it, is that it has a main road (the A361) running right through it.

"We have heard police cars racing up and down the hill from about 7 o’clock this morning, and they have blocked off the Burford-Lechlade road."

Reports say six police cars, one incident van and two unmarked cars are at the scene.