DETECTIVES have launched an investigation after the body of a woman was discovered in undergrowth beside playing fields.

The body was discovered at about 3pm on Saturday in Castle Road, Allington, near Maidstone, by a young man walking his dog.

A Kent Police spokeswoman said that the body was thought to be that of a middle-aged woman and was partially decomposed. The spokeswoman said that at this stage the area was being treated as a crime scene and the death as suspicious. A post mortem is expected to be carried out on Monday.

Members of Allington Community Association had organised a hallowe'en disco and fireworks display at its headquarters near where the body was discovered. The event was postponed to a future date.

Don Eastgate, a member of the association's committee, said on Saturday night: "We are going to be waiting at the entrance for a few hours to let people know what has happened."