Detectives have launched a murder enquiry following the death of a woman in Leigh-on-Sea

We were called to Whitehouse Meadows, Leigh-on-Sea at around 9pm on Tuesday 7 November following a report of an assault.

When police attended, they located a woman who had sustained serious injuries in the garden of a property.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics at the scene, the woman aged 50s was declared dead.

An investigation into the woman’s death has been launched by the Serious Crime Directorate.

Detective Chief Inspector Terry Baldwin, who leads the investigation, said: “I want to reassure the public that we are doing everything possible to expedite this investigation.

“Our officers quickly attended the location and arrested a 54-year-old man at the scene.

He has been arrested on suspicion of murder and he remains in police custody for questioning whilst our enquiries continue.

At this stage, we believe this is an isolated incident and our enquiries show that there is no wider threat to the community."

District Commander, Chief Inspector Jo Collins, said: “I know that this will be of concern to local residents, but I want to reassure the public that officers will remain at the scene today whilst they carry out enquiries.

“I would urge anyone who has information about the incident itself or has any concerns that they would like to raise, to approach an officer and speak to them: they are there to answer your questions.”

A scene remains in place at Whitehouse Meadows whilst officers continue with enquiries.