IPCC To Investigate After Woman's Death

27 July 2011, 13:52 | Updated: 27 July 2011, 14:10

The police watchdog has been called in after it was revealed a woman murdered in Southend had a history of contact with Essex Police.

Jeanette Goodwin was found by officers at a house in Quebec Road on Sunday 24 July 2011.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC) is to independently investigate contact Essex Police had with the 47-year-old prior to her death in Southend.

43-year-old Martin Bunch, from Southchurch Road, was subsequently arrested and has been charged with her murder.

There had been a history of police contact with Ms Goodwin over the course of this year so Essex Police has referred the death to the IPCC.

IPCC Commissioner, Rachel Cerfontyne, said: "I would like to extend my condolences to Jeanette Goodwin's family and friends. The IPCC is in the process of contacting her family to explain our involvement.

"An IPCC senior investigator has completed an assessment and I have decided that an independent investigation should be carried out to examine the actions taken by Essex Police prior to Jeanette Goodwin’s sad death.”