AN INVESTIGATION has been launched into police contact with a woman prior to her murder.

The Independent Police Complaints Commission (IPCC)will be looking up into the circumstances which led to the death of Jeanette Goodwin, 47.

She was repeatedly stabbed at her home in Quebec Avenue last Sunday night and sadly died after being taken to hospital.

Martin Bunch, 43, of Southchurch Road, Southend, was subsequently arrested and has been charged with her murder.

There had been a history of police contact with Mrs Goodwin over the course of this year and therefore Essex Police referred the death to the IPCC. IPCC Commissioner, Rachel Cerfontyne, said: "I would like to extend my condolences to Jeanette Goodwin's family and friends. The IPCC is in the process of contacting her family to explain our involvement.