Further tests are to be carried out on the body of a woman found floating in the River Colne.

Post-mortem examinations failed to determine what killed 24-year-old Helen Maughan, whose half-naked body was found in the water behind Sheepen Place, Colchester, last month.

She was said to be living with her boyfriend in a ground-floor flat in Propelair Way, Colchester, when she was found by a passer-by at the water's edge on the morning of May 20.

Detectives launched a murder investigation shortly after the discovery was made.

An inquest yesterday at Chelmsford County Hall was opened and adjourned until a later date to allow for time for more tests to be carried out. The hearing came the same day police renewed appeals for witnesses to come forward and help with their inquiries.

  • A 36-year-old man is currently on police bail until the end of July, after he was arrested on suspicion of murder.