POLICE were last night continuing to question two people on suspicion of murdering an Essex pensioner.A body believed to be that of Hannah Phillips, 76, was discovered on Sunday night, the day after two people were arrested on suspicion of murdering her.

By Annie Davidson

POLICE were last night continuing to question two people on suspicion of murdering an Essex pensioner.

A body believed to be that of Hannah Phillips, 76, was discovered on Sunday night, the day after two people were arrested on suspicion of murdering her.

The pensioner had disappeared from her home in Rayleigh, in the south of the county, on April 13.

Her handbag was found on the beach in Jaywick a week-and-a-half later. Following the discovery on April 23, police officers and Mrs Phillips' family appealed for help from the Clacton community to trace the missing pensioner.

Hundreds of leaflets were handed out and appeals were made in the media for anyone who may have seen her to contact police.

As officers were unable to trace Mrs Phillips, they became increasingly concerned for her welfare.

Enquiries were also carried out in Kent and Dagenham where she was known to have connections.

On Saturday, it was announced that two people had been arrested in Rayleigh on suspicion of murdering Mrs Phillips.

A 40-year-old man and a 36-year-old woman were both taken into custody in Rayleigh for questioning.

On Sunday night, police revealed they had found the body of a woman in the Grove Road area of Rayleigh.

Although official identity has not been confirmed it is believed to be that of Mrs Phillips.

A post mortem examination to establish a cause of death was due to be carried out yesterday but the results were not known last night.

annie.davidson@eadt.co.uk