A MURDER investigation was launched after a boy was found dead at a house in Faringdon.

Detectives were tonight questioning a 40-year-old woman on suspicion of murder after the discovery in the property in Bromsgrove Cottages off Station Road, on Tuesday afternoon.

Members of the community said they were devastated and paid tribute to the boy, named locally as Tyler, thought to have been five-years-old.

A mother, who did not want to be identified, said the boy went to Faringdon Infants' School and was 'best friends' with her son after they first met in a park during the summer.

She added: "He was a very shy boy at first. He played well with my son and the both of them were just normal little boys.

"He was one of the nicest boys you could ever meet, him and my son were best friends.

"Tyler was a lovely little boy and will truly be missed by plenty of his classmates.

"It's such a sad time for the whole community."

Another mother who laid flowers added: "I feel devastated.

"He was a lovely little boy, always happy."

It is understood the boy had lived at the property for little over a year.

Thames Valley Police said a post-mortem examination was due to take place yesterday afternoon. The force did not release details of the boy's identity although those who said they knew him named him as Tyler.

Flowers and teddy bears were laid at the police cordon outside the house as people came to pay their respects.

A neighbour said Tyler was a 'nice lad' who they would often see on his way to school and playing with his dog in the back yard.

Detective inspector Dave Hubbard, of Thames Valley Police's major crime unit, said next kin had been informed of the death and were receiving support from officers.

He added: "We are in the very early stages of this investigation and an arrest has been made in connection with the incident."

Paul Fothergill, who lives in Bromsgrove Cottages, said: "He was a nice lad. we would see him going to school in the morning down the road.

Mr Fothergill, a 60-year-old HGV driver, added he was quite shocked by the incident and that Tyler was a shy but nice boy.

He said: "It's a massive shock.

"I didn't see too much of him but he used to play outside and play in the back garden."

LPA Commander for South and Vale Rory Freeman said the incident was a 'shocking discovery'.

He added: "I am aware it may have a very direct impact on the community of Faringdon.

"In light of this incident there will be an increased police presence in the area to provide reassurance.

"We would advise any members of the community affected by this incident to speak to one of the neighbourhood policing teams."

People in the town expressed shock on social media and pledged to pull together, and offer support to emergency services at the scene.

Karen Draper wrote on the 'I live in the town of Faringdon' Facebook page: "News like this is just devastating to a community and will have a resounding effect for a long time to come. However, we should all be very proud of our community spirit. We have many reasons to take great pride in our little town.

"I truly believe it is how you come through such tragic circumstances that is what counts."

Matthew Curtis added: "I think no matter what the circumstances everyone should hold their children a little tighter this evening."