EXCLUSIVE: The body of Maria Jane Rawlings, 45, who lived in Chelmsford, Essex, was found in shrubbery near Little Heath in Romford at around 2pm on Tuesday.
“Our thoughts and prayers go to Maria’s friends and family at this terrible time. I would urge anyone who has any information which may help the police with their investigation to please come forward. The police have already increased their presence on our streets, and as a council, we stand ready to help them in any way we can to catch the perpetrator.”
Det Ch Insp David Hillier, who is leading the investigation, said: “My team and I are working around the clock, following a number of inquiries in our work to establish what happened to Maria.
“Her family are understandably distraught and we are doing all we can to help them as they begin to come to terms with their loss.