Colchester: Police Renew Appeal Over James Attifled Murder

20 April 2014, 11:34 | Updated: 20 April 2014, 12:02

Detectives investigating the murder of James Attfield are renewing their appeal for a man and woman to come forward who were seen close to where his body was found.

The pair were seen sitting on a bench by the lake in Castle Park, in Colchester, at around 11.30pm to 11.40pm on Friday March 28.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Werrett said: "The man is described as white, of stocky build, and seemed tall with long legs. The only description we have of the woman is that she was white.

"They were sitting at opposite ends of the bench so we do not know for certain if they knew each other, but they may have been a couple who have had a row earlier in the evening and were sitting apart not talking to each other.

"The witness we have spoken to believes that about 10 metres away from where this couple were sat there was also a man sat on the grass who was white, aged 30 to 40 and wearing a dark jacket and possibly jeans. This may, or may not, have been Mr Attfield.

"I am keen to speak to these two people so I can eliminate them from the investigation, but they may also have vital information that could take the enquiry forward. I would urge them or anyone who knows who they are to contact my investigation team."

Mr Attfield was found seriously injured with more than 100 stab wounds in Castle Park, off Guildford Road, shortly before 6am on Saturday March 29. He died a short time later at the scene.

Officers are still piecing together the 33-year-old student’s movements between 10pm on Friday March 28 when he left the River Lodge Public House and the time when he was found injured.

They are also attempting to identify three people depicted in efits and a number of people caught on CCTV who they need to eliminate from their enquiries.

A 27-year-old woman from the town was arrested on Friday April 11 in connection with Mr Attfield’s death and is currently on police bail until Thursday April 24 pending further enquiries.

Anyone with information is asked to call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.