Police probe after school chef found dead in freezer

BRITISH police are carrying out an investigation after a cook was found dead in a freezer at the primary school where she worked, it emerged yesterday.

Officers said the body of Linda Gent, 53, was discovered at Benfleet in Essex after she had been reported missing.

Sources said detectives were not treating the incident as murder, but a report was being prepared for a coroner.

Police said a postmortem examination had failed to reveal a cause of death and further tests were being carried out.

“[We] were contacted at 2.30am on Saturday September 27 by a member of the public who was concerned for the welfare of Linda Gent,” said a spokesman.

“A search of the school was carried out and shortly after 6pm a woman’s body was found on the premises.”

A source close to the inquiry added: “Her body was found in a freezer at the school.”

Mrs Gent had worked at the school since the 1980s and staff and children were said to be “devastated”.

“Everyone connected with South Benfleet Primary School has been devastated by the sudden death of Linda Gent,” said head Dominic Carver.

“Ms Gent was a hugely popular and highly valued member of our catering team. Her contribution of about 20 years at the school has been magnificent.”

Officials at education authority Essex County Council said news of Ms Gent’s death was broken to pupils after they arrived at school on September 29.

Police said an inquest had been opened and adjourned.