A woman has died after being found with serious injuries in Benfleet. 

Police officers and colleagues from the ambulance service were called to Kale Road, Benfleet, shortly after 3pm on Thursday to reports of a woman being found with serious injuries. 

Sadly, the woman died at the location, Essex Police confirmed tonight.

Her death is being treated as unexpected and police have launched an investigation to establish how she became injured. 

A police spokesman said: "This is being treated as an isolated incident and we continue to believe there is no threat to the wider community.

"As part of our enquiries, a man has been arrested in connection with our investigation and he has now been released.

"Anyone with information is asked to contact Essex Police on 101 and quote incident number 652 of 17 October."

An air ambulance was spotted in Villa Park, Benfleet, at roughly 3pm and residents described seeing dozens of police officers, including armed officers and emergency services swarming the area. 

Kale Road residents told the Echo on Thursday that emergency services remained on the street for more than five hours before making door-to-door enquiries and asking for CCTV footage. 

A cordon was put in place around a number of homes in Kale Road and a path leading to Clarence Road, a small woodland area, for Thursday and Friday.