A murder investigation has been launched after a pensioner died in a care home.

Police rushed to Langley Lodge nursing home in, Imperial Avenue, Westcliff, last night, after the woman, aged in her 70’s, was found by staff.

The drama unfolded at about 10pm and 52-year-old man from Leigh was arrested at the scene.

Residents described their shock at seeing the incident unfold.

Roberta Kenny, 35, of nearby Chadwick Avenue, said: “We were about to go to bed when I noticed an ambulance outside with its hazards on.

“I thought it must have been serious if they had pulled up in the middle of the road but assumed someone had had a heart attack or something.

“It’s shocking that a woman has been killed. It’s usually so quiet - you never see anyone coming or going. I wasn’t even sure it was still operating.”

Another resident said a care home is the last place someone should feel unsafe.

The man, who is related to the victim, remains in police custody.

Police have yet to confirm how the pensioner was killed but a post mortem examination will be carried out in the coming days.

Scenes of crime officers are moving in and out of the imposing three-storey whitewash home near the Thames Estuary yesterday afternoon.

The 29-bed home, which specialises in dementia care, has not been sealed off and remains open at this stage.

A spokesman for the home said support was being offered to residents.

He added: “Langley Lodge Nursing Home can confirm that an incident took place on Monday.

"We are utterly shocked by what happened and we are cooperating with the police on this matter.

"We are providing support to other residents and their families.

“We will not comment further at this time.”