COPS QUIZ DOC OVER WIFE BODY.

Byline: By NICK SOMMERLAD

AN academic was arrested yesterday after his wife's naked body was found in undergrowth.

Psychiatrist Dr Joan Sugden was found dead just yards from her home and those of celebrities such as Cilla Black and Shane Richie.

Her husband, Dr Keith Sugden, 53, was arrested at their house on Saturday evening on suspicion of murder.

Last night, he was released on bail pending further inquiries.

An autopsy failed to pinpoint the cause of her death but police are treating it as suspicious.

Dr Sugden's body was found near a footpath in the upmarket village of Denham, Bucks.

The psychiatrist, who was in her late 50s, was reported missing by her husband on Friday evening, almost four hours after she failed to return home. A Thames Valley police spokesman said: "We are still not in a position to say whether the victim was murdered or suffered an accidental or natural death.

"A 53-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. We appeal to anyone who might have information about this death or who saw anything suspicious on the footpath off Broken Gate Lane to contact us."

Further forensic and toxicology tests will be carried out on samples from the body.

The Sugdens, respected members of the community, were often seen riding through the village on a tandem bicycle.

Neighbours said they were quiet and shunned other residents.

Dr Sugden's body was found next to a small fence, about a quarter of a mile from her home.

Houses in the area where she was discovered regularly sell for more than pounds 1million. Resident Irene Hansford, who runs an RSPCA rescue home nearby, said: "It is not the kind of thing you expect around here, it is normally a really quiet area.

"I have lived here for 35 years and I walk the dogs down that path. But I will be thinking twice about it until we find out who has done this."

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SCENE: Tent yesterday