A MAN has appeared in court charged with murder after a woman was found seriously injured in Eastwood. 

Kevin Shepherd, 54 of Whitehouse Meadows, appeared before Southend Magistrates' Court this morning (November 9). 

The victim's name was given in court as Sharon Butler, who was in her 60s. 

Shepherd was told his case would next be heard at Basildon Crown Court on Monday, November 13. 

He was remanded in custody until that hearing. 

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

They found a woman had sustained serious injuries in the garden of a property.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics at the scene, she was declared dead.

Police are continuing to appeal for information to continue their investigation. 

Detective Chief Inspector Terry Balding, who leads the investigation, said: “We have worked quickly and hard to progress this investigation

“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.