TRIBUTES have been paid to a “shy and lovely soul” neighbour who died in the garden of an Eastwood property.

Sharon Butler, aged in her 60s, was found to have sustained serious injuries in the garden of a Whitehouse Meadows property but despite paramedics’ efforts to save her life, she was pronounced dead on Tuesday.

Echo: Tuesday - the crime sceneTuesday - the crime scene (Image: Essex Police)

Neighbours have started leaving floral tributes outside of the home.

Echo: Respects - floral tributes outside the propertyRespects - floral tributes outside the property (Image: Newsquest)

One resident said: “She was a shy and lovely soul.

“I’ve lived here for 26 years, and I always used to see her in the street and say hello.

“She never spoke much, given her shyness, but I always thought she was a very nice person.

“My thoughts are with her family and friends at this awful time.”

Another neighbour added: “I’m so sorry to her friends and family who have lost an innocent loved one.

“No one deserves what happened, and my thoughts and love are with them all at this tragic time in their lives.”

The Echo understands that the police cordon was lifted on Thursday morning. 

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

Echo: Gone - police cordonGone - police cordon (Image: Newsquest)

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

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

Kevin Shepherd, 54, of Whitehouse Meadows, has been charged with murder and is set to appear at Basildon Crown Court on Monday.

Shepherd appeared before Southend Magistrates' Court on Thursday.

Detective Chief Inspector Terry Balding, who is leading the investigation, says it is an “isolated incident, and there remains no threat to the wider community”.

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

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 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.