Police have launched a murder investigation after the body of a young woman was discovered in Colchester yesterday morning.

The woman, who was found at an address in Queen Elizabeth Way, has been named as 23-year-old mother Kirsty Humphrey. Last night, a 24-year-old man from Colchester was in custody having been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Officers went to the detached house in the Monkwick area of the town following a call from the ambulance service at 7.30am yesterday. Neighbours and friends stood on the pavement nearby, some in tears, as paramedics and later police forensic officers arrived at the address. A cordon was placed around the house and across the front of a second property on the opposite side of the street.

It is believed Ms Humphrey had a young daughter who went to school for the first time on Monday.

The murder investigation is being led by DCI Simon Werrett of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate while a post-mortem examination is due to take place today to determine the cause of death.

Yesterday, neighbours spoke of their shock and sadness at the news.

Philip Cartwright, 65, who lives in the street said: “I knew the lady who lived in the flat above, so I’ve come along to see if she is alright.

“We didn’t hear anything and woke up to see lots of police cars on the street. You don’t expect something like this to happen.” Another neighbour, living opposite, who asked not to be named, added: “She was a lovely girl and she didn’t deserve what happened.”

Others took to social media to express their grief.

On the Facebook website, Ms Humphrey’s stepbrother Jake Plane simply posted: “RIP to my amazing step sister gone but never forgotten xx.”

Police and crime commissioner for Essex, Nick Alston, also released a statement about the incident.

It read: “I am distressed by the news of the suspected murder of a young woman in Colchester earlier today.

“I have been briefed by the force, and a thorough, meticulous and professional police investigation is in full swing. I am pleased to learn that a man has already been arrested in connection with this incident.

“My heart goes out to the family and friends of the victim.”