Police today launched a murder investigation after a woman's body was discovered at her home in Great Clacton

Jean Dicker, who was in her 50s, was found at the bungalow, in Craigfield Avenue, late last night

The property was cordoned off and two officers were on duty outside early today. The road was later closed off.

Senior investigating officer Gareth Wilson was waiting for forensic experts to examine the scene before Mrs Dicker's body was removed.

An Essex Police spokesman confirmed officers were called to the house just after 11.30pm.

"The body of a woman in her late 50s was found at her home in Craigfield Avenue and we are in the process of examining all the circumstances surrounding her death," he said. "However, it is being treated as a murder investigation."

It is believed that a number of injuries were found on Mrs Dicker's body.

Mrs Dicker's son Steve is believed to have found his mother's body in the hallway.

A woman who lives nearby in Craigfield Avenue, and did not want to be named, said she was first aware of the activity at about 11.30pm.

"I heard the sirens and at first I thought it was a fire engine," she said. "Then I saw the ambulance and soon after the police arrived and they were all over the place."

The woman said Mrs Dicker had lived in the bungalow for about two years.

Tendring coroner's officer PC Nick Waltham said it was likely that a post-mortem examination would be carried out later today.

Published Thursday, January 30, 2003

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