Emergency services were called to a home in Skelmersdale Road at around 11.30am on Friday, 21 March, after reports that a woman had been seriously injured. Despite the efforts of police, ambulance crews and an air ambulance team, the woman—who was in her 40s—sadly died at the scene.

As part of the initial response, a man in his 20s was arrested on suspicion of murder. He had sustained injuries unrelated to the incident and was taken to hospital for treatment.

Following his discharge from hospital on Tuesday, 25 March, the suspect was taken into custody. He has now been charged with murder.

Essex Police confirmed that Oliver Grange, 24, of Skelmersdale Road, Clacton, has been charged and was due to appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday, 26 March.

Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood, who is leading the investigation, said:

“Clearly, this loss will be felt throughout the victim’s family and by her friends and my thoughts remain very much with them at this time.

“As our work progresses, our determined priority is now to ensure we fully understand what happened in the hours and days leading up to this incident.”

The woman’s identity has not yet been released, and a post-mortem examination is expected to be carried out in due course.

Police are continuing to appeal for anyone with information to come forward. Anyone who can help is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 or submit details online at www.essex.police.uk, quoting incident 402 of 21 March.