A London woman who died following an “awful attack” near a major shopping centre has been named by police.
Julie Hunt, from Rainham, east London, was assaulted near Lakeside Shopping Centre in West Thurrock at about 8.30am on Friday.
The 47-year-old died at the scene near the A1306 Arterial Road, Essex Police said.
A large swathe of the road was closed in both directions on Friday morning while forensic officers carried out an investigation.
Unemployed Florin Ion, 31, of Ipswich Crescent, Birmingham, has been charged with Ms Hunt's murder and is set to appear at Basildon Crown Court on Tuesday.
Detective Superintendent Tracey Harman, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said officers have spent many hours taking witness statements, as well as reviewing CCTV and dash cam footage.
She said: "We now have a clearer picture around the circumstances of this awful attack.
"However, there are still a number of people we would like to talk to and we are making attempts to locate up to six drivers who are key witnesses in this investigation.
"Dedicated family liaison officers are continuing to support Ms Hunt's family during this investigation and I ask members of the community to respect their privacy during this difficult and distressing time."
If you have information call the Serious Crime Directorate on 101 quoting incident 228 of 20/04 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
