A woman whose body was found in shrubbery by a dog walker is believed to have been murdered, police have said.

Maria Rawlings, 45, from Chelmsford, attended King George Hospital in Ilford, east London, on Monday evening, Scotland Yard said.

It is believed someone may have approached the mother of two daughters as she walked along Barley Lane in the direction of the A12 afterwards.

Her body was found the next day at 2pm in Little Heath, Romford. Officers were called along with the London Ambulance Service.

Homicide detectives are now investigating.

Neck compression and possible blunt force head trauma were given as preliminary causes of death following a post-mortem at Walthamstow Mortuary on Wednesday, the Met said.

“Officers are continuing to examine the crime scene and will remain in the area in the coming days,” the force added.

Detective Chief Inspector David Hillier, who is leading the investigation, said he and his officers are “working around the clock, following a number of enquiries in our work to establish what happened to Maria”.

He added: “Her family are understandably distraught and we are doing all we can to help them as they begin to come to terms with their loss.”

Mr Hillier continued: “I want to hear from anyone who knew Maria and knows about where she had been and who she had been associating with.

“Have you seen her in the area in the company of another person? Had you recently heard or seen a disturbance or struggle in the area but did not think it significant at the time?

“You might have dash cam or doorbell footage that could have captured her – please think carefully and, if you can help, contact police.”

Those who may be able to assist should call the incident room on 020 8345 3865, ring 101, or tweet @MetCC and quote CAD3551/4May.

Related posts:

‘I really don’t want it to happen’: Ex-England keeper ‘in shock’ over Super League plans Hate Won’t Win: Sky Sports and BBC Sport stars unite to fight against online abuse Just 15 people test positive for COVID among nearly 60,000 who attended trial mass gatherings Priti Patel condemns ‘absolutely disgraceful’ violence at Swansea vigil England boss Gareth Southgate criticises fans who booed players taking the knee before Austria game UK reports highest number of daily COVID cases since late March ‘A really big problem’: Petrol retailers chief warns fuel crisis getting worse in some parts of UK – as army to be deployed UK records 30,301 new cases and 121 more coronavirus-related deaths, daily figures show Boy, 14, charged with murder of 12-year-old Ava White in Liverpool city centre ‘This is not a photo opportunity’: Warning issued after teens seen doing handstands at level crossing Burger King to launch vegan nuggets in UK as part of pledge to make menu 50% meat-free What has Prince Andrew been accused of?