A 68-year-old man has been arrested for allegedly murdering a 63-year-old woman - believed to be his wife - on Sunday (March 13) afternoon in a Compassvale flat.

The male suspect was led away in cuffs at 7.20pm. Details of how the alleged crime happened are still unclear.

When The Straits Times arrived at about 6pm, a police cordon was up. About 20 police officers were seen outside the sixth floor unit at Block 296C, Compassvale Crescent.

Police said in a statement that it received a call on at about 4.35pm, requesting for assistance. Upon Police's arrival, a 63-year-old woman was found lying motionless in the unit. She was subsequently pronounced dead at about 5pm by paramedics at the scene.

Neighbours say the unit is inhabited by an elderly couple in their 60s, who have two daughters.

One neighbour, who wanted to be known only as Mrs Koh, said the couple was friendly and would often wave and greet neighbours.

"We always see them going together for breakfast," said Mrs Koh, 60.

Police have classified the case as murder and investigations are ongoing.