SPECIALLY trained officers have been carrying out searches in the Pitsea area in attempts to find a mobile phone belonging to Madison Wright as their murder investigation continues.

A murder investigation was launched on July 28, following the disappearance of 30-year-old woman Madison Wright in Pitsea.

Madison’s body was sadly located at Wat Tyler Park on July 30, following a large-scale search by specialist officers.

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Enquiries as part of one Essex Police’s largest investigations this year are continuing, with specialist officers pursuing lines of enquiry today in Basildon.

They say specially trained officers from Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate have been carrying out searches in the Pitsea area, in attempts to locate a mobile phone belonging to Madison Wright.

Essex Police add this phone has “evidential value to their investigation”.

The phone in question was a Google Pixel 4a, similar to the image depicted, and may have been in a black case.

At this stage of the investigation, one man has been charged with murder and a further four people who were arrested have been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue.

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector, Kevin Hughes, said: “Our investigation does not stop at the point of charge and we have continued to complete lines of enquiry to help us understand what happened to Madison and when she died.

"The team & I remain steadfast in our pursuit for justice, and at this time of year especially, our thoughts & prayers are with Madison’s family, who this year, will be spending their first Christmas without her.

“A key and ongoing line of enquiry, is our efforts to find and recover Madison’s phone. Up until a recent development this was looking doubtful, but we now have information that suggests Madison’s phone was briefly switched on in September and one scenario we are looking to explore, is the potential a member of the public has found the phone.

"This phone still has evidential value to our investigation, but as equally important, are the sentimental photos and videos which may still be recoverable from the device. Given the emotive implications, we would really like to be able to reunite these significant mementos with Madison’s family and if someone has found the phone we need to speak with that person as part of our enquiries.

“Any information about this mobile phone or further information about Madison’s death, may help us get the answers that Madison’s family deserve.

"Please quote the crime reference number 42/197308/22."

Last month, Garry Bennett, 37 of Caister Drive appeared in court where he pleaded not guilty to murder. A trial has been set for Basildon Crown Court on Monday, March 13.