A MAN is in hospital after being arrested on suspicion of murdering a woman in her 70s.

Police were called by paramedics to Padgetts Way, Hullbridge on Sunday after the body of a woman aged in her 70s was discovered.

The woman was previously thought to be aged in her 80s. 

An 80-year-old man was also found in the property and had suffered injuries. He was taken to hospital for treatment, where he remains, and has also been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Officers remained at the scene yesterday and during the day today guarding the property while forensic tests were carried out at the home.

Neighbours reported seeing at least five police vehicles descend into the cul-de-sac, with an air ambulance also landing nearby.

The woman has yet to be formally identified and a post mortem examination is set to be held today.

Michael O’Malley, 73, who lives in Padgetts Way, said he used to see the victim when she was out walking.

He said: “I never knew her name, but she would often go for walks down into the woods.

“I’d say hello to her as she passed.

“I used to see her down by the river when out walking.

“She went out quite a lot, she’d often go into Rayleigh on the bus and I would see her there.

“She was always nice and fine to talk to. She never did any harm to anyone.

“It’s just really sad. I’m very shocked, I can’t really believe it.”

Another neighbour added: “There were a good five police cars rushing here in the afternoon. There was an air ambulance landing just over the way as well.

“We have no idea what was happening, it was all very fast.”

Police are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident.

A spokesman for the ambulance service said: “We were called at 1.28pm yesterday with reports of a person who had died in Padgetts Way, Hockley.

“We sent two ambulances, an ambulance officer and Essex and Herts Air Ambulance.

Anyone with information can contact the South Major Crime Team on 101 or e-mail scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit crimestoppers-uk.org.