Police investigating the mysterious death of Katie Smith are trying to track down a driver who gave her a lift just hours before she was found hanging at a flat.

Detectives believe the woman, who was driving a blue Metro, is a friend.

The woman picked up 23-year-old Katie, a part-time worker at Basildon Hospital, from outside flats in Polsteads, Vange, at around 4pm on Friday, January 2, and drove off towards Vange Hill Drive.

Police found Katie, who lived in Neville Shaw, Basildon, hanging at a flat in Polsteads at 4am on Saturday, January 3, after getting a call from a concerned member of the public.

Officers believe Katie hung herself, but in suspicious circumstances.

The woman driver, or anyone who knows her, should contact Basildon police on 01268 532212.

A 26-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of actual bodily harm and has been released on police bail until February 25.

Published Friday January 9, 2004

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