James Attfield Case - Police Release eFit Pictures

7 April 2014, 15:47 | Updated: 7 April 2014, 15:56

Police investigating the murder of James Attfield in Colchester have released three efits of people they want to trace.

Detectives from the Essex Serious Crime Directorate led by Senior Investigating Officer DCI Simon Werrett, are trying to trace three people who may have seen something which may assist the investigation.

James was found injured near Castle Park at 5.45am on Saturday, March 29, and died while paramedics were fighting to save his life. He suffered 102 separate lacerations or puncture wounds, and the provisional cause of death was found to be multiple stab wounds.

efit Number 1

The first efit is of a man who was seen in the area of Ryegate Road, Colchester, at about 11pm on Friday, March 28. He is described as white, aged in his late 20s or early 30s and had dark hair and stubble. He wore jeans and a red checked shirt.

efit Number 2

The second (number 2) is of a man who was seen in the area of Pillbox Walk at about 6.05am on Saturday, March 29. He is described as white, around 40 to 45-years-old, about 6ft tall and of large build. He was wearing a knee-length grey coat which was in poor condition, and black jeans. He was carrying a blue plastic bag in one hand and a can of beer in the other.

efit Number 3

The third (number 3) is of a man who was seen on a pathway between Northgate Street and Lincoln Way, by the Roman wall, at about 10.25pm on Friday, March 28. He was white, aged in his late 40s, with short hair, possibly balding, and was around 6ft 2ins tall. He was wearing a beige coloured coat which was knee-length and had the collar of the coat up around his mouth.

DCI Werrett said: "I need anyone who recognises who any of these people might be to contact my team, as they may hold information which could be vital to the on-going investigation in to the murder of James Attfield.

We have had a good response from members of the public following our appeals and the anniversary checks we did on Friday night, but still need any information people may have, no matter how small, to help piece together James’ last movements and find the person or people who killed him."

Searches of the River Colne have continued today, Monday, April 7, by divers from Sussex Police, who have been assisting the investigation since Wednesday, April 2. A police cordon remains in place while the searches continue, and residents are thanked for their cooperation.

Anyone who recognises someone from the efit images, or who has any other information to pass on, can contact the investigation team via the hotline number 01245 282103 between 6.30am and 8pm, and outside these times on 101. You can also give information anonymously via Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111