The identity of a man found dead in a Colchester car park yesterday has been confirmed by police.
Martin Dines, 56, from Colchester, was found just before 9am in St Mary’s car park on Balkerne Hill in the town.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene and a post-mortem is being carried out today.
Essex Police launched a murder investigation yesterday and four people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Three men, aged 47, 45 and 32 and a 46-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of murder overnight and enquiries are ongoing.
Martin Dines, 56, from Colchester, was found just before 9am in St Mary’s car park on Balkerne Hill in the town.
Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was pronounced dead at the scene and a post-mortem is being carried out today.
Essex Police launched a murder investigation yesterday and four people have been arrested in connection with the incident.
Three men, aged 47, 45 and 32 and a 46-year-old woman were arrested on suspicion of murder overnight and enquiries are ongoing.
They were taken to police custody where they currently remain.
St Mary’s car park, which had been closed since Monday, reopened this evening.
As part of the investigation, police are looking into reports of an assault at around 8.45pm on Sunday in the Crouch Street and Head Street area of Colchester.
Officers searched the area, but could find no trace of suspects or a victim.
Detective Chief Inspector Stephen Jennings, who is leading the enquiries, said: “Mr Dines’ next of kin have been informed of his death, and we are ensuring they are supported through this very difficult time.
“At this stage we are very keen to speak with anyone who may have been in the Crouch Street area of Colchester from around 8.30pm on Sunday, April 22, to 9am on Monday, April 23.
“We’re keeping an open mind as to whether this report on Sunday of an alleged assault is connected with our enquiries. If you did see hear something, no matter how small, it could help the investigation.
“We would like to thank the community in Colchester for their assistance in the first crucial 24 hours of this investigation.
“The ongoing forensic examination in St Mary’s car park has caused quite a lot of disruption, and we are grateful for people’s co-operation as this vital work is carried out.
“We are aware that this news will have had an impact locally, as Mr Dines’ was believed to have been a member of Colchester’s rough sleeping community.
“This is a very unusual and worrying incident, and my team of detectives is working round the clock to establish what happened.”
Essex Policeofficers are carrying out join patrols with Colchester Borough Council Zone Wardens and PCSOs. A mobile police station is also now open on St Mary’s Field, opposite St Mary’s car park.
The north major investigation team can be contacted on 101, quoting incident number 224 of April 23. People can also contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here