Detectives investigating the murder of Colchester man James Attfield last night called for a woman who was speaking to James online the week before he died to come forward.

Officers made the appeal following a review of the 33-year-old’s Facebook account, which revealed the conversations between James and the mystery woman, who it appears went on holiday a week before his body was found in Lower Castle Park with 102 stab wounds on March 29.

Investigators say the conversations seem to suggest the pair knew each other and they would like to get more information about James from her.

Detective Superintendent Steve Worron, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “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 please get in touch as we would like to speak to them.”

Police are also calling for anyone who regularly uses the Salary Brook Trail to speak with officers as investigations continue into the murder of Nahid Almanea.

Ms Almanea was attacked on the morning of June 17. Her body was found with multiple stab wounds.

Officers say both murders are still being treated as ‘separate but parallel investigations’.

Det Supt Worron said: “I have issued a number of appeals over the past few weeks for people who may be of interest to the investigations to come forward.

“We have had a great response from members of the public but we still have not been able to identify a number of people.

“Searching for them is taking up a great deal of time and I would ask that people do the right thing and come forward and contact the incident room. It is vital that they get in touch so we can speak to them to find out what they know.”

Among the people still being asked to come forward are a man and woman seen sitting at opposite ends of a bench in Lower Castle Park on the night James died.

In relation to Ms Almanea’s death, officers are still keen to trace a number of people who were on the Salary Brook Trail between 10.15am and 10.45am on June 17.

If you have information, call 01245 282103 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

Crimestoppers has offered a £10,000 reward for information that leads to the conviction of the person or people responsible for the death of both Ms Almanea and Mr Attfield.