Extra officers have been drafted in from across the county to help with the investigation into the death of a man in Colchester.

East Anglian Daily Times: Forensics investigate the scene at St Mary's car park in Colchester. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNForensics investigate the scene at St Mary's car park in Colchester. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

Police closed St Mary’s car park on Balkerne Hill yesterday after a body was found at around 8.55am.

Detectives launched a murder investigation later in the afternoon.

The car park, which remained closed yesterday, is expected to be shut for at least the next 48 hours, council bosses said in a tweet.

Extra officers have been drafted in from across the county to help with the investigation, police chiefs said.

A cordon remains in place this morning and a number of police vehicles remain at the scene.

Officers are continuing to carry out enquiries to establish the circumstances and cause of death.

Police are urging anyone with information to contact the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate on 101, quoting incident 224 of 23/04.

Alternatively, people can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or report information online via the crime fighting charity’s website by completing an anonymous online form.

East Anglian Daily Times: Forensics investigate the scene at St Mary's car park in Colchester. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNForensics investigate the scene at St Mary's car park in Colchester. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Police have appealed for witnesses to get in touch. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNPolice have appealed for witnesses to get in touch. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Forensics investigate the scene at St Mary's car park in Colchester. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNForensics investigate the scene at St Mary's car park in Colchester. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Police have appealed for witnesses to get in touch. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNPolice have appealed for witnesses to get in touch. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)

East Anglian Daily Times: Police have appealed for witnesses to get in touch. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWNPolice have appealed for witnesses to get in touch. Picture: SARAH LUCY BROWN (Image: Archant)