Three people have been arrested on suspicion of murdering a woman whose body was found on a disused railway line.

Detectives investigating the death of Gemma Hayter, whose body was found by a jogger in Rugby early on Monday, detained a 35-year-old local man on Monday night.

A police spokesman said officers had since arrested a 19-year-old male and a woman aged 21 in connection with the death of Ms Hayter, thought to have been assaulted.

The victim, who lived in Biart Place, Rugby, was found dead alongside an embankment off Hillmorton Road at about 5.30am.

A post-mortem examination failed to establish the cause of the 27-year-old’s death, which was initially treated by police as unexplained.

A Warwickshire Police spokesman said: “Detectives investigating the death of Gemma Hayter have today arrested a man and a woman in connection with the incident.

“The 19-year-old man and 21-year-old woman, who are both local, have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are in custody at Rugby police station awaiting questioning.

“A 35-year-old man who was arrested last night has now been released on police bail pending further enquiries.”

Officers are keen to speak to anyone who visited the stretch of railway line between Hillmorton Road and Pytchley Road between 6pm on Sunday and 6am on Monday.

Detective Chief Inspector James Essex, who is leading the murder investigation, said: “The stretch of disused railway line is very popular with dog walkers and joggers and it is possible that someone may have seen some suspicious activity in the 12 hours before Gemma’s body was discovered.

“I would appeal to them, and any of Gemma’s friends or colleagues who could help us to piece together her last movements, to come forward.”

Anyone with information is asked to contact the incident room on 01926 415761 or the Crimestoppers service on 0800 555 111.