Great Oakley murder investigation: Death 'not suspicious'

Police officers were called to concerns for the welfare of a woman in Great Oakley at about 10am on July 27 last year.

Paramedics from the East of England Ambulance Service rushed to High Street but sadly the woman, who was in her 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

At the time, Essex Police said the death was being treated as suspicious and a murder investigation was launched, leading to the arrest of a man and a woman.

Essex Police completed a thorough investigation into the circumstances (Image: Essex Police)

The man was released without charge while the second suspect was released on bail.

Following a thorough investigation, detectives have now closed their inquiry into the circumstances surrounding the death after concluding it is “no longer being treated as suspicious”.

A spokesman for the police force said: “We carried out a thorough and extensive investigation into the death of a woman in Great Oakley and her death is no longer being treated as suspicious.

“We were called shortly after 10am on Thursday, July 27, 2023, following concerns for the welfare of a woman at an address in High Street.

“Despite the best efforts of paramedics, sadly, the woman, 50s, was pronounced dead at the scene.

“Her death was initially treated as suspicious and an investigation was launched, with support put in place for the family of the woman.

“A man and woman arrested in connection with our inquiries will face no further action. A file is now being prepared for the coroner.”

He added: “Our thoughts remain with the family and friends of the woman in question, as they continue to come to terms with her death.”

Speaking after the woman’s death, Det Ch Insp Ant Alcock, who led the police investigation, reassured residents in Great Oakley there was “no wider impact” on the community.

Oakleys and Wix councillor Mike Bush said at the time the launch of a murder probe was a “very unusual and sad situation” for the rural village.