THE victim at the centre of a murder investigation in Theale has been named by police.

Kylie Dembrey, 28, died in the early hours of Thursday morning from stab wounds to the chest and neck.

Officers from Thames Valley Police were called to an address in Blossom Lane at 12.53am following reports that a woman had been seriously injured.

Police and paramedics attended the scene, but Ms Dembrey was pronounced dead. Her next of kin is being supported by family liaison officers.

A post-mortem was carried out on Thursday and the cause of death has been established as shock and haemorrhage as a result of stab wounds to the chest and neck.

There was also evidence of asphyxiation, but this was not the cause of death.

Mark Sinclair, aged 30, of Blossom Lane, Theale, has been arrested and charged with one count of murder. He is due to appear at Reading Magistrates' Court on Saturday.

Senior investigating officer, Detective Chief Inspector Ailsa Kent of the force’s Major Crime Unit, said: “The charge of Mark Sinclair is a significant step in the investigation and I understand the community will have felt a sense of shock as a result of this incident but I want to reassure the public that we are conducting a detailed and thorough investigation as we prepare for court proceedings.

“Our priority now is Kylie Dembrey’s family, who are being supported by specialist Family Liaison Officers.

“The scene-watch that was in place at the property in Blossom Lane will soon be been lifted. I would like to thank local residents for their cooperation and patience while we were in the area carrying out enquiries.

“Although we have conducted house to house enquiries, if there is anyone we haven’t spoken to who has information about Kylie’s death we would urge them to contact police as soon as possible. The easiest way to contact the force is by visiting our website at https://www.thamesvalley.police.uk/tua/tell-us-about/cor/tell-us-about-existing-case-report/ or calling 101 and quoting the investigation reference number 29 (6/9).

“Alternatively, you can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.”