A COUNCILLOR has sent his condolences to the loved ones of a woman who tragically died in Castle Park, describing the news as "very sad".

Essex Police were called to Castle Park, in Colchester, at about 6.40am yesterday, after officers received concerns for the welfare of a woman.

After arriving at the scene and conducting a search, the force eventually located the woman but she was subsequently pronounced dead.

As a result of the incident the decision was made to shut the park, which is run by Colchester Council, in addition to Colchester Castle and the Hollytrees Museum. 

Gazette:

Residents were also urged to avoid the area and to find alternative routes in order to access Lower Castle Park while the police conducted their investigations.  

After being on lockdown for roughly three hours, the historic, Grade 2-listed site, spanning 11 hectares, was eventually reopened alongside its attractions. 

Mark Goacher, Colchester councillor for the Castle ward, has now reacted to the devastating news of the woman’s death.

He said: “I would like to pass my condolences onto the family and friends of the lady who has died and my thought are with them and anyone who knew her.

“Obviously it is very sad when anything like this happens but I thank the police for doing what they had to do and for their swift response once informed.”

Gazette:

Essex Police have now said no foul play is considered to have contributed to the woman’s death and an inquest will be carried out. 

A spokesman for the force said: “Her death is being treated as non-suspicious and a file will be prepared for the coroner.”

The latest death comes after a man’s body was found during the early hours of the morning in a children’s play area in Castle Park last June.