A man has been arrested as part of a murder investigation after a woman was found with fatal head and body injuries on a footpath.
Essex Police were alerted by a member of the public after the woman was found on land off Avon Way, Colchester, just before 10.40am today.
The woman was treated by paramedics but died at the scene.
Tonight the force confirmed a man had been arrested in connection with the murder.
The 52-year-old, from the Colchester area, is being questioned at the town's police station.
Detective Chief Inspector Mark Hall said: "We are carrying out house to house enquiries and are searching the area using the police helicopter and dog teams.
"I would ask anyone with any information about what happened to contact Essex Police."
So far there is no evidence to suggest the killing is linked to the recent murder of James Attfield, a vulnerable 33-year-old who had brain damage and was found in a park in the town in March after being stabbed more than 100 times.
But officers are understood to be keeping an open mind to all lines of investigation.
A police cordon has been set up on the path known as the Salary Brook Trail. This has been closed off from Britten Close to Buffett Way.
Anyone with any information is asked to contact the major investigation team on 01277 266869, Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
Additional reporting by the Press Association
