A YOUNG mother was strangled to death at her family home in Chigwell, while her two children were on their way home from play school.

The body of Soabia Sayid, 29 from Hycliffe gardens was found by police and paramedics after they were called to the scene just before 11.30am on April 27.

Police believe the incident was a domestic matter and have arrested a 49-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

Mrs Sayid lived in the house with her two children, mother-in-law, husband and brother-in-law.

Next door neighbour Georgina Pont said they were a quiet family.

She added: "They kept themselves to themselves. I knew them to say hello and we'd have a chat about the weather and the children, just general chit chat.

"They were very nice people. I can't believe this has happened. There's never been anything that I can say that has been out of the ordinary."

Mrs Pont was at home when the police arrived in the street.

She said: "I had the hoover on and I was doing bits around the house. There was nothing out of the norm until I saw a row of police cars outside.

"Things go through your mind and I was worried that someone from outside had come in. It wouldn't have ever crossed my mind that it could be a murder."

A neighbour who lives opposite the house took in the two children and their grandmother when they returned home.

He said: "She had gone to pick up one of the children from play school and when they came back all the police were here. They wanted someone to take them in while they sorted it out so I offered.

"She could see something wasn't right. They took them to Harlow and they were going to tell them there.

"Apparently the brother phoned the police. I know them to say hello to. There are two brothers and the husband goes out to work all week.

"I feel awful about it. You read about these things but when it's right on your doorstep. I was out when it happened and when I came back the police were there with tape across."

Detectives are still questioning the man at Harlow police station.