Police have launched a major investigation after the body of a young woman was found dead in a block of flats.

Catherine Smith, better known as Katie, was discovered in a Basildon flat by police after they received a concerned phone call.

Officers arrived at the flat at Polsteads, in Vange, shortly before four-o'clock on Saturday morning.

Inside the property they found the 23-year-old had hung herself in what are described as suspicious circumstances.

A post-mortem was carried out soon after and cause of death was given by the coroner as an airway obstruction due to suspension.

Police have arrested a 26-year-old man on suspicion of an assault involving actual bodily harm - or ABH.

Published Monday January 5, 2004

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