A 20-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of the murder of a woman found dead in a shrubbery, police have said.

The body of mother-of-two Maria Rawlings, 45, from Chelmsford, Essex, was found in Little Heath, Romford, east London, by a man walking his dog at around 2pm last Tuesday.

She had attended the King George Hospital in Goodmayes, Ilford, before she died and was last seen walking on Barley Lane in the direction of the A12.

The suspect was arrested on Sunday and was taken to an east London police station for questioning.

Detective Chief Inspector David Hillier, from the Metropolitan Police, said: “My thoughts remain with Maria’s family at this incredibly difficult time.

“I continue to appeal for anyone with information to contact police via the incident room on 020 8345 3865; via 101 or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD3551/4May.”

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