A murder investigation is under way after a GP and mother of three was found dead at her home in Norfolk while reportedly hosting a children's sleepover. Dr Hannah Terry, 45, also known as Hannah Cain, was pronounced dead at the scene after police were called to the property in Fern Hill, Dersingham, shortly after 2.20am on Sunday, October 4.
Suspect remains in custody
A man in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to King's Lynn Police Investigation Centre, where detectives have continued to question him. Officers were initially granted an additional 12 hours to hold the suspect beyond the usual 24-hour custody period. A further 32-hour extension was subsequently approved by magistrates in Great Yarmouth.
Police can apply for further extensions and, in serious cases including murder investigations, a suspect can be detained for up to 96 hours without charge. Children who were reportedly staying overnight at the property are believed to have been returned to their parents by officers during the early hours of Sunday.
Forensic examination under way
Forensic teams have continued examining the detached property, which is situated close to the Sandringham estate and just over a mile from Sandringham House. Officers could also reportedly be heard using strimmers and other equipment as they searched the garden, while potential evidence was seen being removed from the property and placed inside an unmarked police vehicle.
Flowers have since been left near the house, with one message reading: "Such a tragic loss. A lovely, kind, caring neighbour and friend, but above all a devoted mum. God bless you Hannah and your precious boys."
Practice closes amid 'extremely difficult circumstances'
Norfolk Police has not disclosed the findings of a Home Office post-mortem examination which was due to take place on Monday to establish how the woman died. Dr Terry had worked part-time at Grimston Medical Centre since last year, according to the practice's website.
The surgery remained closed on Tuesday, although its dispensary opened for three hours so regular patients could collect urgent medication. A message on the practice's website said: "We are sorry to let patients know that Grimston Medical Centre, including the dispensary, is temporarily closed due to extremely difficult circumstances affecting our practice team.
"We apologise for the disruption and appreciate your patience and understanding at what is a very difficult time for our colleagues. If you have an appointment today, you will be contacted about alternative arrangements as soon as possible."
Dr Terry had previously spent nine years working at Heacham Group Practice before leaving in June last year "to allow her to spend more time with her young family". A statement posted by the practice following her departure said: "We are all very sad to see her leave and are very grateful for all her hard work, support and advice over the last nine years. We wish her all the very best for the future."
Neighbours and police speak out
Neighbours have spoken of their shock. One said: "It is unbelievable what has happened. I am very upset about it. They are a lovely, lovely family." Another neighbour described Dr Terry as "a lovely human being with three gorgeous young children", adding: "I'm just out of words, we all are."
Detective Inspector Alix Wright, from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team, said: "We are in the very early stages of this investigation working to establish the exact circumstances surrounding the woman's death. I'd ask anyone who believes they may have information that could help our investigation to please share this with us."
Norfolk Police previously said: "Officers were called to a house in Fern Hill, Dersingham, shortly after 2.20am on Sunday 4 October by the ambulance service. Sadly, a woman aged in her 40s was pronounced dead at the scene shortly after police arrived. A man aged in his 40s was arrested on suspicion of murder and taken to King's Lynn Police Investigation Centre for questioning. He remains in custody. Detectives from the Norfolk and Suffolk Major Investigation Team have launched a murder investigation."
