Woman 'strangled to death with a vacuum cleaner cable by British woman' in Benidorm

By Lauran O'Toole, Senior Reporter

The fatal incident took place in Benidorm (Image: Getty)

A British woman has been arrested on suspicion of strangling her friend to death with a vacuum cleaner cable at her Spanish holiday hotspot home. The 66-year-old woman from Cork, the second largest city in Ireland, was killed on the night of September 17 in her own flat in the Rincón de Loix district of the popular resort Benidorm, it is reported

Popular with expats, Rincón de Loix is a large, international area in Benidorm's Levante with rows of lively shops and bars. The Olive Press has named the victim as Catherine Peckham. Spanish police say she died after being strangled with a vacuum cleaner cable. Local reports say she was found with the vacuum cleaner cable still around her neck. 

The British woman was arrested at the scene (Image: Getty)

A 63-year-old British woman has been arrested and remanded in custody without bail on suspicion of homicide.

However, she has refused to provide a statement to the police so far, but she has admitted to the crime. According to her defence, her inability to give a statement could be due to shock.

The British woman moved in with the victim just four days before the fatal incident unfolded, it is alleged. It is believed she moved with Ms Peckham whilst hunting for her own property and had intended to stay for another month.

On the night of Ms Peckham’s death, it is claimed that neighbours reported hearing a fiery argument. 

It is reported that the suspect asked a friend to confess what had happened and asked for advice with the friend urging her to hand herself in and also contact the emergency services.

Police and ambulances rushed to the address. Upon arriving, they found Ms Peckham already dead with the hoover's cable still wrapped around her neck.

The suspect was arrested at the scene. Investigations into the incident are ongoing, and the vacuum cleaner cable is being tested for DNA and fingerprints.