STREET lights will kept on between midnight and 5am in a part of Colchester where a murder investigation has been launched.

A woman’s body was found by a footpath behind Britten Close, Greenstead, at 10.40am today, Tuesday June 17.

The woman, who has not yet been identified, suffered serious and multiple injuries to her head and body.

An Essex County Council spokesman said street lights in the Greenstead area would be left on all night tonight and tomorrow following a request from Essex Police.

Parts of Colchester were plunged into darkness between midnight and 5am from December 1 last year.

Residents have protested the move could lead to an increase in crime and accidents.

The council said the initiative will save money and reduce carbon emissions.