A SECOND person has been arrested on suspicion of murder after a body was discovered in a flat in Clacton.

A 47-year-old man was arrested on Boxing Day on suspicion of murder after a body was discovered by fire crews in a burning flat in Station Road.

Neighbours raised the alarm at about 6.25am on Boxing Day after smelling smoke in a corridor on the third-floor of the building, above Clacton's Natwest bank.

Firefighters found a body with signs of assault and called police, who later launched a murder investigation.

Clacton and Frinton Gazette:

A spokesman for Essex Police today said: "A second person has been arrested in connection with the death of a man in Clacton.

"We launched a murder investigation after a man’s body was found at an address in Station Road shortly before 7am on Wednesday.

"The 43-year-old woman of no fixed address was arrested last night on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody for questioning.

"A 47-year-old man of no fixed address was arrested Wednesday afternoon on suspicion of murder also remains in custody for questioning."

One nearby cafe worker said the first he knew of the incident was when emergency service vehicles arrived.

"I didn't see any trouble, but I saw fire engines and police cars racing down the road and stopping outside," he said.

"The cordon has been there constantly.

"It isn't nice to see right on our doorstep."

One customer said: "It is terrible, I hate to see this right in the middle of the town.

"I want to praise the police, they have been on the ball.

"I feel for the family of this poor man."

A NatWest spokeswoman confirmed the branch located below the flats would remain closed while the investigation progressed.

“We are fully cooperating with the police in their investigations," she said.