Colchester: Posters Used In Murder Investigation

Detectives investigating the murder of James Attfield are putting up posters as part of their latest drive.

The posters, featuring CCTV images of six myetery men, are being put up in pubs and bars that are close to the entrances to Castle Park and detectives have also been speaking to bar staff and regulars.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Werrett said: "James liked to go out for a drink and many of the pubs he frequented were close to Castle Park.

"It is also quite likely that the people caught in these CCTV images may drink in these pubs.

"We originally issued 21 CCTV images of 23 people we wanted to identify and these six are the only ones that are yet to come forward.

"There could be numerous reasons as to why this is this case but we really need to find out who they are. They could hold crucial information that will help in identifying James murderer."

James Attfield was found seriously injured with over 100 stab wounds near Lower Castle Park, close to Guildford Road, shortly before 6am on Saturday March 29.

He died a short time later at the scene.

The 33-year-old, from the East Bay area of the town, was last seen in the River Lodge Public House on Middleborough on Friday March 28.

He left there shortly after 10pm and there are no confirmed sightings of him after that time until he was found in the park the next day.

Police are also still keen to speak to people who may have been in contact with James on social media before he died.

DCI Werrett said: "As part of the investigation into James’ murder, officers have been reviewing his social media activity.

"It appears he may have been in contact with a woman, via Facebook, who went on holiday around the time of Friday March 21 and was due back on the Saturday that he was killed.

"From posts James made on his page it is believed the woman likes dancing, pottery and may have sung karaoke with him.

"We would like this woman to contact the investigation team so she can tell us about her knowledge of James.

"Also if anyone was friends with James on Facebook and they haven’t yet spoken to police officers we would ask them to please get in touch."

Anyone with information can call detectives at Essex Police on 101 and ask for extension 486160 or email scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively they can ring Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.   It has offered a £10,000 reward for information leading to the conviction of the person or people responsible for the murder.

To date nine people have been arrested and are on bail to various dates.