Kerry Cast death: Police alerted after neighbour 'last seen up to five days ago'
A woman found dead in her home had not been seen alive for up to five days, it has been revealed.
The body of Kerry Cast was discovered by police at around 2.20pm on Saturday after officers were alerted by two women neighbours who had grown increasingly concerned at her apparent absence.
Her family said in a statement: "With saddened hearts we confirm the sudden passing of Kerry.
"Although we are grateful for the outpouring of love and support, we kindly request respect, dignity and privacy during this difficult time."
The 40-year-old, who lived alone, had only been at the one bedroom ground floor flat for three months when tragedy struck.
Police have carried out a detailed forensic examination of the property while other officers carried out house to house inquiries in the area as they tried to unravel the mystery of her death.
The address in Herondale, Hednesford, was taped off and the window blinds were pulled down. A police officer was parked in a car outside as inquiries continued.
One neighbour said: "She had not been here long and so not many of us knew her well. I only saw her a few times and never had a conversation with the woman. Even so it is a great shock to see her come to such a sad end."
The death is currently being treated as unexplained and a post mortem examination will take place within the next few days in an attempt to pin point the exact cause. Meanwhile her family are being supported by specially trained officers.
The clothed body was discovered in the bedroom of the property and Miss Cast is understood to have last been seen alive at 6.30am last Monday.
Police are now trying to build up a picture of her movements in the days that followed and have appealed for anybody who has information that could aid the inquiry to get in touch.
Acquaintances suggested that her life had become 'chaotic' before her death.
Staffordshire police said: "We are keen to hear from anyone who had seen Kerry in recent days, or knows of any visitors who called on her, in order to piece together her recent movements.
If you can help us please call us on 101 quoting incident 481 of 1 July, or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."
