DETECTIVES investigating the murder of a young mum have arrested a 37-year-old man.

The man, who is from the Lancaster area, was taken into custody yesterday (Wednesday) and is being questioned at the city's police station.

The arrest follows the discovery of the body of Clare Sabear Benson-Jowry at 34 Austwick Road on the Ryelands Estate, Lancaster, last Thursday afternoon.

Police say she had lain undiscovered for some considerable time'.

Dental records were used to identify the 23-year-old, whose young son is now being cared for by her family.

Police say a post mortem examination on Friday revealed she may have been strangled.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Steve Brunskill told the Citizen: "We have arrested a 37-year-old man who is now being questioned at Lancaster police station."

Clare was last seen at her home in Morecambe on Sunday, June 20, at 9.30pm, when she said she was going to visit flats on Ryelands where she was a regular visitor. She was reported missing five days later.

"Despite extensive inquiries she wasn't found until Thursday," said DCI Brunskill.

He said a neighbour on Austwick Road alerted police, saying the flat's occupant had not been seen for some time. Police forced their way in and discovered the body.

DCI Brunskill told a press conference at Lancaster that detectives wanted to trace the occupant of the flat where Clare was found.

Within two days of launching a murder invest-igation, he said new lines of inquiry had opened as a result of people speaking out.

"We have now managed to trace the occupier of the flat. We hope to speak with that person within the next few days," he said on Saturday.

Forensic experts were still at the scene yesterday (Weds) and were expected to complete their site examination ready to carry out laboratory analysis for fingerprints and other evidence.

They were part of a team of more than 30 officers involved in the investigation.

Police have also been carrying out door-to-door inquiries to establish a motive for the murder.

"It will take us weeks to work through. We have built up a large inquiry," said DCI Brunskill - though he was not surprised by the level of support for the investigation.

"Clare was such a popular person that people wanted to help us," he said. "Any more information would be welcome in relation to Clare, her associations and sightings of her in June and July."

To help police, call 01524-63333.