Colchester: Arrest Made In James Attfield Murder

2 April 2014, 17:08 | Updated: 3 April 2014, 06:26

A 38 year-old man from Colchester has been arrested in Cowdray Avenue in connection with the murder of James Attfield.

Essex Police have told Heart, the man was arrested this afternoon and has been taken to a police station for questioning.

Meanwhile, detectives investigating James' murder say he's unlikely to have provoked his attacker(s).

CCTV showing the last known movements of James Attfield has been released, by detectives appealing to the public for help in finding out who attacked him and why.

James, 33, of East Bay, Colchester, was found injured in Colchester Castle Park at 5.45am on Saturday morning.
Despite paramedics coming to his aid, he died from his injuries, caused during a 'violent and frenzied' attack.

CCTV shows James, known as Jim to his family, at the River Lodge pub in Middleborough, Colchester. He left the pub at 10.09pm, leaving behind most of his drink, which his family says was unusual for him.

The post-mortem, which took place yesterday, revealed 102 separate wounds on his arms, hands, back, neck and head.

Senior Investigating Officer DCI Simon Werrett said: "We do not know where he went between leaving the pub and being found injured in Castle Park at 5.45am on Saturday morning.

"Castle Park is used at all hours of the day and night and I’m sure someone will have seen something. I really need to hear from anyone who saw anybody acting suspiciously in the park, anyone who heard anything untoward, or anyone who thinks they may know who is responsible for Jim’s death.

"A man was seen lying on the ground in Castle Park at around 1.30am. We have not been able to establish who this man is. I would ask this man or anyone who knows who he is to contact me.

"Jim was not a confrontational person and would actively avoid risky situations and crowds due to his previous brain injury following a car accident four years ago."

James liked to drink alone and did not have many friends.

DCI Werrett added: "We do not have a motive for this attack, nor have we recovered a weapon."

Anyone with information is asked to contact the North Major Investigation Team on 01245 282103 from 6.30am -8pm, or outside of these hours, 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.