CLAYTON, N.C. (WNCN) – Clayton police are investigating a homicide that happened Thursday night in a neighborhood near the downtown area, officials said.

The homicide happened along Crawford Parkway, Town spokesperson Nathanael Shelton confirmed. The scene is a residential area off of W. Main Street.

On scene, Police Chief Greg Tart said the incident began as a welfare check call made by family around 4:30 p.m. He said the body of an older woman was found.

Tart said police believe the homicide happened sometime Thursday.

The cause of death was not released. Tart said they are awaiting autopsy results.

No other information was released.