Murder Investigation Launched After Body Parts Discovered On Island

Police have launched a murder investigation after the bones of a Southend woman were discovered on Foulness Island.

Angela Millington was found on Saturday 21 June 2014, but it's not known how or when the 33-year-old died, or even how long she had been there.

Her bones were discovered in a salt marsh area by a group of ramblers as they walked on the island. They called police just after 1.45pm the day after they spotted what they thought were human remains.

A full search of the island took place and more bones were found. After forensic and DNA tests, the body was identified as Angela.

Angela lived in the Southend area but did not have a fixed address. Detectives have been supporting her family and speaking to people who knew her to try and find out how and when she died.

DCI Simon Werrett, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "I would appeal for anyone who knew Angela to come forward. The last definite sighting of her was when she visited a housing officer in Westcliff on November 21, 2013. Money was also drawn out of her bank account on that day. Her mobile phone has not been used since the end of November and we have not found any of her clothing or belongings.

"Angela was known to associate with street drinkers and local homeless people. There was a sighting of her by a police officer in the Porters Grange area of Southend on January 6, 2014 but we have no definite details of her movements since November 21, 2013.

"The expert reports indicate that she has not died on Foulness but has either been deposited here or the body was carried here in the tide.

"We have launched a murder investigation as we don't know what happened to Angela. We are keeping all lines of enquiry open. Anyone with any information, no matter how small, could help us to discover how Angela died and bring her justice."

(CD/JP)