Police Investigating James Attfield Murder Seek More Witnesses

29 June 2014, 06:13 | Updated: 29 June 2014, 06:44

Police investigating the murder of James Attfield - who was stabbed more than 100 times in Colchester- say they're still trying to trace seven potential witnesses.

Detectives are continuing to appeal for the public to come forward to help them in their investigation, three months after James died.  The 33 year old was stabbed 102 times in Lower Castle Park on Saturday, March 29.

The charity Crimestoppers has now increased the reward it is offering for information leading to a conviction from £5,000 to £10,000.

Police have previously issued CCTV of people that they want to speak to as they were in the area around the time of the murder and many people have been already contacted them. However, they need seven people to come forward so that they can be eliminated from the enquiry and they may hold vital witness information.

Deputy Senior Investigating Officer, DI Anne Cameron, said: "If you recognise yourself from the CCTV please contact us even if you did not see or hear anything as we need to identify everyone so that we can move forward with our enquiries.”

To date, detectives have taken over 800 statements and over 230 people have phoned them in response to appeals. They currently have over 4,300 documents and intelligence recorded on file.

DI Cameron added: "James was a vulnerable man who would not have been able to run away from his attacker. For the sake of his family we will do all we can to bring his killer to justice. If you can help us please contact the investigation team via 101 or give information to Crimestoppers.”

Eastern Regional Manager for Crimestoppers Ann Scott said: "I live in this community myself. I am reassured by the extra police presence and know that Essex Police are doing everything possible to find the person or persons responsible for both James’ murder and that of Nahid Almanea. However, it is natural to feel nervous about what has happened in Colchester and this is why we are increasing the reward for information on the murder of James Attfield.

"Please come forward with any information you have and give these two families some answers. Somebody somewhere knows who took these innocent people’s life.”

If you have any information on either murder please contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or through our anonymous online form at www.crimestoppers-uk.org.

Rewards will only be payable for information passed to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111. Information passed to Crimestoppers via their online secure form at www.crimestoppers-uk.orgor given directly to Police will not qualify. If the two murders are positively linked by Police then the claimant will only be eligible to claim up to £10,000.