A WOMAN has paid tribute to her "chatty and friendly" neighbour as police launch a murder investigation in Basildon. 

Police have launched a murder probe and forensic investigations are currently being carried out around a home in Elsenham Crescent. 

The woman, aged in her thirties, was found in a life-threatening condition at a property in the street on Monday. 

After being rushed to a London hospital, she passed away yesterday. 

A 32-year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of her murder.

Neighbour Kelly Franks, 40, described her death as “a massive shock”.

Kelly added: “She was lovely, funny, and a really good person.

“We always waved to each other when we passed by. She’d come and have a little chat and a laugh on my doorstep.

“It’s so quiet round here. Nothing ever happens. In ten years of living here, Ive never seen a police car parked outside. We never get any trouble.

"She’s been friendly since day one. She was so chatty.

“She was a really nice, kind, and accepting person.”

Police will remain in the area today and anyone who has any information they believe will help the investigation is encouraged to approach an officer.

Detective Chief Inspector Louise Metcalfe, who leads the investigation, said: "We know that this will shock the Basildon community, but at this stage of our investigation, we are not looking for anyone else in connection with the woman’s death.

"We will be carrying out enquiries to help us establish the events that took place before the woman was taken to hospital and I’d ask anyone who holds information that could help our investigation to contact us.

"Our officers will be in the area today and you can approach any of them and tell them what you know.

"Any detail, no matter how small it may seem at this stage, could help us."