A MURDER inquiry is today underway after the discovery of a body at a Clacton hotel.

The body of a 51-year-old woman was uncovered by police at the Esplanade Hotel in Clacton-on-Sea on Friday evening.

She was named yesterday as Janet Graney, 51, from Clacton.

Shortly after the discovery officers arrested a 41-year-old man in Ipswich on suspicion of murder.

The man, who lives in the Clacton area, is currently Ipswich Hospital but it is unclear what he is receiving treatment for.

Police have refused to divulge details of his injuries or how he came to get them.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “Neither the victim nor the man arrested were staff, they were both staying at the hotel.

“The man arrested is from the local area. But he was not arrested in Clacton, he was arrested in Ipswich.

“Murder is obviously a very rare crime and extremely rare in Clacton.

“It’s a tragic event and our thoughts are with the victim’s families.

“We’d like to remind people that Essex is a very safe place.”

Guests arriving at the Marine Parade East hotel on Saturday expressed shock at the incident.

The owner of the hotel declined to comment.