A HOMELESS woman found dead nearly two years ago was discovered wearing a "mask of gaffer tape", detectives have revealed.

Angela Millington, from Southend, was discovered on Foulness Island in June 2014, but DNA results did not identify her until more than a month later.

Investigating officer DCI Simon Werrett has now revealed fresh information in a bid to catch her killer.

Police have also released mock-up images showing how they believe the mask could have looked, as well as photos of how the tape was found.

Mr Werrett said: “We know Angela lived a chaotic lifestyle, at some times she lived with her partner in Southend and other times she then moved back to live on the streets, mainly down Southend High Street.

“We know from people we have spoken to she was last seen around the end of January and beginning of February at night by the street pastors.

“We still don’t know how she died. We’ve got only skeletal remains, what was found near her was a mask of gaffer tape around her face.

“We don’t know if it was before or after death it was put on.

“What we do believe, because of where we found it and the security there, the likely option is that she went in to the sea, somewhere along the seafront and the tide has taken her around to Foulness."

After human bones were spotted in salt marshes on the island a full search of the area was carried out and further bones were found.

Ms Millington was known to the town’s street drinkers, homeless people and workers with the charity Harp.

Two men were previously been arrested and questioned in connection with Ms Millington’s death, but nobody has been formally charged.

Mr Werrett added: “Someone out there knows what happened to Angela.

“Crimestoppers have put up a reward of £10,000, which is there for anyone who gives the information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person responsible for Angela’s death.

“So we would ask anyone who has got any information to contact them or contact us because we would like to bring some justice for Angela and some answers for her family.”

Anyone with information can call Essex Police on 101, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.