VIDEO: Neighbours’ shock as police officer is arrested on suspicion of killing his wife

The 49-year-old, named locally as Detective Constable Otis Goldsmith, was arrested at 1pm on Thursday at his home in Wootton Hall Park, Northampton.

The houses were formerly owned by Northamptonshire Police before being sold off privately and many were bought by serving and retired officers.

The detective constable is currently being questioned by detectives from the East Midlands Special Operations Unit, headed by Det Supt Kate Meynell.

The investigation will be carried out by officers, including scenes of crime specialists, drafted in from across the region, but will not include anyone from Northamptonshire Police.

Det Supt Meynell said: “A full and proper investigation is taking place.”

A post mortem investigation will be carried out by a Home Office pathologist in Leicester.

The incident has been referred to the Independent Police Complaints Commission.

A retired officer, who lives nearby, said: “We have been advised not to talk about it. It must have been lunchtime when they cordoned it all off.

“I didn’t hear anything but saw them out of the window. We are used to seeing police cars on this road so it isn’t unusual but I knew it was serious when there was a cordon.”

Neighbours have expressed their shock at the arrest, describing him as “a really good guy.”

Resident Gary McBain, aged 58, said: “We know him quite well, as do the whole street. All the children used to play outside on the green when they were growing up. So it is a close community.

“Otis has been in the police force for at least 20 years.”

The road of about 30 semi-detached houses is on the same site as Northamptonshire Police HQ Wootton Hall.