A husband has been seized by police after the butchered body parts of a woman believed to be his lover were found on his apartment balcony.

Accused Yuki Tsuchiya, 31, is said to have dismembered the single mum’s body and then stored her remains at his flat and in his car.

Police in the city of Numazu, Shizuoka Prefecture, southern Japan, believe victim Ayumi Ito, 33, and Tsuchiya were lovers.

Tsuchiya was arrested on 23rd February, two days after police believe Ayumi was killed.

Ayumi reportedly lived in Iwata Prefecture, about 130 kilometres (80 miles) from Numazu.

She reportedly drove to her lover’s home but was killed during a furious argument.

Some local media outlets suggested that Ayumi may not have known her lover had a wife and children.

The suspect reportedly confessed to police that he had strangled Ayumi after battering her with a blunt object in the car.

Neighbours reportedly heard suspicious rattling and banging noises coming from Tsuchiya’s home where he lives with his wife, two children and his father. It is currently unclear where Tsuchiya’s family were at the time of the incident.

The investigation is ongoing.