Neighbours' shock at young mum's death

Elliot Furniss

A YOUNG mother has died in hospital after she unexpectedly fell ill at her home in Chelmsford.

Emergency services were called to the first floor flat of Claire Carr in Spring Rise at about 8.40pm on Wednesday evening.

Miss Carr, 28, was rushed to Broomfield Hospital but died about an hour after arrival after suffering a fatal overdose.

Yesterday morning Essex Police reported that they were treating the death as suspicious but later confirmed this was no longer the case after receiving the preliminary results of a post-mortem examination.

An Essex Police spokesman said: “Police were called by the ambulance service to an address in Spring Rise at about 8.40pm. Sadly the woman died an hour later in Broomfield Hospital.

“Her family have been informed, a file will now be prepared for the coroner and an inquest will be held in due course.”

As the news spread around the estate where Miss Carr lived, neighbours spoke of their shock.

One neighbour, who did not wish to be named, said she had lived in the upstairs flat for at least six years and was well-known in the area.

He said: “She was a tall, friendly girl. But she did have some problems.

“She had a daughter but she didn't live at the flat. She lived around the corner with her grandparents.”

The block of flats where Miss Carr lived is peppered with broken windows, many of which have been boarded up and yesterday a police squad car was parked up on the grass outside.

Police officers were stationed by the building and the entrance was cordoned off with tape. Some residents were told they were not allowed to return to their homes.

Others living in nearby flats said they were unsettled by the events having happened so close to home.

One neighbour, who asked not to be identified, said she was a colourful character with many acquaintances that would come and go frequently.

She said: “She had lots of friends but had a difficult time of it. It's a shame.”