Man arrested over Canvey Island woman's death

Updated

A man who police wanted to speak to after a woman was found dead has been arrested.

Officers were called to Fairlop Avenue, Canvey Island, just before 5pm on Thursday, after reports of a serious assault.

Kelly Pearce, 36, of North Avenue, Canvey, was taken to the Royal London Hospital with a serious neck injury and died soon after 7.30pm.

Detectives from Essex Police said they urgently need to speak to Anthony Ayres, 48, in connection with the investigation.

On Friday night, a spokesman said: "Police are no longer appealing for the public's help to locate a man wanted in connection with the murder of Kelly Pearce.

"Anthony Ayres, 48, has been arrested and will be taken into custody for questioning."

Ms Pearce's family issued a statement saying they had lost a "loving mother and daughter who was big hearted and full of life".

They added: "Kelly was blessed with a loud and bubbly personality and she was often heard before she was seen.

"Although Kelly faced struggles in her tragically short life, we will choose to remember her the way that she was at her best - full of life and never afraid to show affection for the people that she loved."

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