A WOMAN was found dead near a church after police received reported concerns for her welfare.

Worried residents took to social media to report the incident in Church Road, Basildon near Holy Cross Church.

They reported seeing a heavy presence from the emergency services at the scene.

One said: "My husband was walking to work, and the police car and two ambulance’s made him jump as they shot past."

Another said: "Heartbreaking, there was a lot of commotion at 7.30am.

"I was walking too work and there was a lot of police and two ambulances with all the sirens and lights, terrible news."

A spokesman for Essex Police said: "We were called to concerns for the welfare of a woman in a field near Church Road, Basildon at around 7.30am on Sunday, September 30.

"We attended and, sadly, the woman was pronounced dead at the scene.

"Her death is not being treated as suspicious and a file is being prepared for the coroner."