AN appeal has been issued by police who are still hopeful of finding a phone belonging to murder victim Madison Wright.

It is a key part of ongoing enquiries in one of one Essex Police's largest investigations this year. Specialist officers are pursuing lines of enquiry today (Wednesday, 21 December) in Basildon.

A murder investigation was launched on 28 July following the disappearance of 30-year-old woman Madison in Pitsea. Her body was located at Wat Tyler Park on 30 July following a large-scale search.

A statement from Essex Police today says: "At this stage of the investigation, one man has been charged with murder and a further four people who were arrested have been released under investigation whilst enquiries continue.

"This morning, specially trained officers from Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate have been carrying out searches in the Pitsea area, in attempts to locate a mobile phone belonging to Madison Wright."

Senior Investigating Officer, Detective Inspector Kevin Hughes added: ""Our investigation does not stop at the point of charge and we have continued to complete lines of enquiry to help us understand what happened to Madison and when she died.

"The team and I remain steadfast in our pursuit for justice, and at this time of year especially, our thoughts and prayers are with Madison's family, who this year, will be spending their first Christmas without her.

"A key and ongoing line of enquiry, is our efforts to find and recover Madison's phone. Up until a recent development this was looking doubtful, but we now have information that suggests Madison's phone was briefly switched on in September and one scenario we are looking to explore, is the potential a member of the public has found the phone.

"This phone still has evidential value to our investigation, but as equally important, are the sentimental photos and videos which may still be recoverable from the device. Given the emotive implications, we would really like to be able to reunite these significant mementos with Madison's family and if someone has found the phone we need to speak with that person as part of our enquiries. The phone in question was a Google Pixel 4a, similar to the image depicted and may have been in a black case. 

"Any information about this mobile phone or further information about Madison's death, may help us get the answers that Madison's family deserve."

Last month, Garry Bennett, 37 of Caister Drive appeared in court where he pleaded not guilty to murder. A trial has been set for Basildon Crown Court on Monday, 13 March.

Police have set up a special portal through which information can be reported: Public Portal (mipp.police.uk)

In addition police say: "You can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service available Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm. 

"Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our website reporting services. Alternatively you can call us on 101.

"Please quote the crime reference number 42/197308/22.

"If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111."