WILTSHIRE Police have apologised to the family of a woman who died in Amesbury on Friday, after they learned a man had been arrested in connection with the incident through a post on Facebook.

Amesbury police posted yesterday (Sunday) that a 51-year-old man had been arrested as part of enquiries into the unexplained death of a woman in her 30s, who has been named locally as Samantha Magee.

Ms Magee's cousin Bridie Nightingale-Sheridan responded saying the family had not been informed of the man's arrest, adding: "This is how our family have to find out that someone's been arrested, off Facebook!"

In a later comment she said Ms Magee's mother had also not been informed, and called the police's post "an absolute joke".

Tara Leanne Sheridan also blasted the police for the "disgusting" post, adding: "Well done Wiltshire Police as always, update Facebook before telling our family someone's been arrested."

Amesbury police responded saying: "Bridie, our apologies for this miscommunication, it was not our intention for the family to find out this way.

"We have just spoken to the investigating officer and understand she has made contact with the family liaison officer, so please speak to them if you have any further questions.

"Once again, our apologies."

The post was later updated to say the man had been released with no further action and is now being treated as a witness.

Police attended Bence Court in Amesbury on Friday, after receiving a call expressing concern for the welfare of a woman there, but on arrival they found the body of Ms Magee.

The force say the death is being treated as unexplained and enquiries are ongoing.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Wiltshire Police's Brunel MCIT team on 101, quoting Operation Majesty.