A MURDER investigation has been launched after the remains of a woman’s body were found.

The bones of Angela Millington, 33, were found on the remote Foulness Island by ramblers on Saturday June 21 but it has taken until now to identify her. It is not known whether her body was taken there or whether she washed up but forensic experts have ruled out that she died on the island.

Ramblers spotted the bones in the salt marsh area just after 1.45pm and after a full search of the island further skeletal bones were located.

Her body was so decomposed forensic investigators haven’t been able to establish how she died, or even how long she had been there. But extensive DNA tests found the body was Angela’s.

Det Ch Insp Simon Werrett, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, is leading the investigation. He said: “We have launched a murder investigation as we don’t know what happened to Angela. We are keeping all lines of enquiry open. Anyone with any information, no matter how small, could help us to discover how Angela died and bring her justice.”

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Angela was from the Southend area but had no fixed abode and was in contact homeless charity HARP.

The last definite sighting of her was on November 21 when she made contact with a housing officer in Westcliff. Police thought they saw her on the street on January 6 but November 21 was her last substantiated sighting.

That day she withdrew cash from her bank account. Phone records have found she hadn’t used her mobile since the end of November. Detectives haven’t been able to find any of her clothing or belongings.

It is believed the coat shown in the photograph of Angela was the coat she would have been wearing when she disappeared.

Detectives have been supporting her family and speaking to people who knew her to try and find out how and when she died.

DCI Simon Werrett added: “I would appeal for anyone who knew Angela to come forward.

“Angela was known to associate with street drinkers and local homeless people. There was a sighting of her by a police officer in the Porters Grange area of Southend on January 6 but we have no definite details of her movements since November 21. The expert reports indicate that she did not die on Foulness but was either taken there or the body was carried there in the tide.”

A dedicated incident room has been set up by police for residents to give information.

People can call 101 with the extension 470173 to give information during office hours or 101 outside those times.

Those wanting to give information anonymously can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through their Anonymous Online Form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Details of the appeal will be circulated on The Echo website and social media outlets using the hashtag #answers4angela.

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