POLICE have launched a murder investigation following reports of an assault in Eastwood.

Essex Police was called to Whitehouse Meadows at around 9pm yesterday 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 60s was declared dead.

An investigation into the woman’s death has been launched by the serious crime directorate.

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

Detective Chief Inspector Terry Balding, 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.”

If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident that could help their investigation, get in touch using the force's dedicated online portal, which can be accessed at: mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020123Q77-PO1.

Alternatively, anonymous reports can be made by contacting independent charity Crimestoppers on X at @CrimestoppersUK, by visiting crimestoppers-uk.org or by calling 0800 555 111.

Please quote incident 1137 of November 7 when providing any information to make sure it gets to the right person as quickly as possible.