A MURDER probe has been launched after a mum's body was found by a dog walker in a bush.

Maria Jane Rawlings, 45, was found dead in shrubbery in Little Heath, Romford, Essex on Tuesday.

Met detectives are investigating after the mum-of-two's lifeless body was found around 2pm.

Cops and paramedics called to the scene found Maria's lifeless body.

The mother of two daughters lived in the Chelmsford area.

A post-mortem gave a preliminary cause for Maria's death as neck compression and possible blunt force head trauma.

MUM MURDERED

Maria had left Kings Georges Hospital in Goodmayes, Ilford on the evening of May 3.

After leaving hospital she walked along Barley Lane in the direction of the A12.

Cops believe she may have been approached by someone while walking on the road.

Her body was found the next day in Little Heath, Romford.

Maria's family are being supported by specialist officers.

Her family are understandably distraught and we are doing all we can to help them as they begin to come to terms with their loss.

Detectives have urged the public for help to catch her killer.

Detective Chief Inspector David Hillier said: "My team and I are working around the clock, following a number of enquiries in our work to establish what happened to Maria.

"Her family are understandably distraught and we are doing all we can to help them as they begin to come to terms with their loss.

"Now I am asking for the public to help us. I want to hear from anyone who knew Maria and knows about where she had been and who she had been associating with.

"Have you seen her in the area in the company of another person? Had you recently heard or seen a disturbance or struggle in the area but did not think it significant at the time?

"You might have dash cam or doorbell footage that could have captured her – please think carefully and, if you can help, contact police.”

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