DETECTIVES investigating the death of a 57-year-old woman whose body was found in her Laindon flat have launched a murder inquiry after a post mortem revealed she died from a severe head injury.

The body of 57-year-old Anita Gordon, of Rowenhall, Laindon was discovered at around 2.30am by her husband, Roger, on Friday.

One neighbour said: "Police officers told us he came home from his job as a taxi driver, went into the flat and found her dead on the floor. "It must have been terrible for him."

Police sources say Mrs Gordon worked in the nursing and care profession and are desperate for any information about her movements in the 24 hours prior to her death.

Leading investigator Detective Superintendent Win Bernard, <CORR>of Brentwood's Major Investigation Team, revealed Mrs Gordon had been hit with what was believed to be a blunt instrument.

He said: "This was a particularly vicious and determined attack. One of our main lines of inquiry now is to determine whether or not she knew her attacker."

For full story see Monday's Evening Echo