A MAN has been released without charge following the death of a woman in her 50s in Great Oakley.

Essex Police has been investigating the death, which is being treated as suspicious, since a woman died in Great Oakley High Street, near Harwich, on Thursday morning.

Great Oakley High Street stretches from Beaumont Road to Harwich Road, close to the Maybush Inn pub and Great Oakley Village Hall.

The emergency services were called out shortly before 10am following concerns for the woman’s welfare, but despite their best efforts, she was pronounced dead at the scene.

Essex Police has since released an update to say they are continuing their investigation into the circumstances of the woman’s death, and have confirmed that a man who was arrested on suspicion of murder has been released with no further action being taken.

A second suspect, a woman, has been released on bail until October whilst the investigation is ongoing.

Essex Police is continuing to appeal for witnesses, with anyone with information on the incident asked to contact the force on www.essex.police.uk/digital101, quoting incident 343 of 27 July.

Det Chief Insp Ant Alcock, who is leading the investigation for Essex Police, said: “We are working at pace and with diligence to establish the facts, and crucially we will continue to support this woman’s family at this hugely difficult time. 

“I would reiterate that while an incident of this nature will naturally cause concern in the area of Great Oakley, there is no wider impact on the community at this time.”

The victim’s family is being supported by specialist police officers.

Speaking on Friday, Oakleys and Wix councillor Mick Bush said he sent his condolences to the woman’s family, adding the incident is out of character for the area.

He said: “Great Oakley is a great rural village in north east Essex so it’s a very unusual and sad situation we’re facing.

“My thoughts go out to the family and anyone involved at this time.”