Essex Police murder team arrest man after body of woman found in Chelmsford house

Essex Police has launched a murder investigation after the body of a woman in her 50s was found at a property in Chelmsford. A man, also in his 50s, was taken to hospital with life-threatening injuries. A 31-year-old man from the area has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police were called to the property in Pines Road, Chelmsford at 1.30am (17 April) after hearing reports that a man was being assaulted. When officers entered the property they found the two victims, who have not yet been named. It is not yet known if they were related to each other or to the suspect.

A local woman who did not wish to be identified told the Essex Chronicle: "When we came back from taking the dogs for a walk at about 10.30 it was all quiet, and we didn't hear anything until we opened the curtains and saw the police cars and the forensic people in the white suits.

"I have been here 10 years and haven't seen anything like this before. It is shocking and it definitely makes you think; it is bit too close to home."

In a statement Essex Police said: "We have launched a murder investigation after a woman was killed at a house in Chelmsford. Officers were contacted at 1.30am this morning with reports of a man being assaulted inside a house in Pines Road.

"Units attended to find a woman aged in her 50s, deceased, and a man, also in his 50s, with serious life threatening injuries. A 31-year-old man from Chelmsford has been arrested on suspicion of murder and is in police custody. The injured man is currently at Broomfield Hospital in Chelmsford."

The investigation is being led by DI Stephen Ellis from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate. Anyone with information about the incident is being asked to call 101.