A MAN has been charged with murder following the death of a woman in Eastwood.

Essex Police and ambulance crews were called to Whitehouse Meadows at around 9pm on Tuesday, following a report of an assault.

A woman, who has not been named and was in her 60s, was found to have sustained serious injuries in the garden of a property but despite best efforts, she was declared dead.

Kevin Shepherd, 54 of Whitehouse Meadows, will appear at Southend Magistrates’ Court today (November 9).

Detective Chief Inspector Terry Balding, who leads the investigation, said: “We have worked quickly and hard to progress this investigation which has resulted in a charge overnight.

“We would like to reassure the community that it is an isolated incident, and there remains no threat to the wider community.

“I continue to appeal for anyone with information or footage that could help our investigation, to please get in touch using our dedicated online portal.”

The online portal can be accessed by visiting: mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020123Q77-PO1.

Alternatively, anonymous reports can be made by visiting the Crimestoppers website: crimestoppers-uk.org, or by calling: 0800 555 111.

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