Detectives investigating the murder of James Attfield have made a further appeal for two people who may have seen him before he died to come forward.

They would like to trace a couple who were seen sitting on a bench in Lower Castle Park, the night before Mr Attfield was killed.

Mr Attfield, also known as Jim, died on Saturday, March 29.

He was found seriously injured with more than 100 stab wounds in Lower Castle Park off Guildford Road in Colchester shortly before 6am on that Saturday morning.

The 33-year-old man from East Bay was last seen in the River Lodge Public House in Middleborough on Friday, March 28.

He left there shortly after 10pm but there are no confirmed sightings of him after that time until he was found in the park the next day.

Detective Superintendent Steve Worron, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “The man and woman we would like to speak to were seen sitting on a bench in Lower Castle Park, near to where James was found.

“They were spotted at 11.30pm on Friday, March 28, sitting at opposite ends of the bench, near a man who was sitting on the grass.

“It is unknown whether they knew each other, but they may have been a couple who had an argument earlier in the evening and so were sitting apart, not talking to each other.”

The man is described as white and of a stocky build, and the woman is described as white.

Det Supt Worron said extensive appeals for the two have been made.

He added: “The information they may have could be vital to the investigation.

“If you think one of the people could be you, please come forward. You may be concerned about the length of time that has passed but don’t let that stop you from getting in touch. We need to speak to you to find out about what may have happened to James on the night in Lower Castle Park.”

“It could be that you know who the people are. If you do, again please get in touch with us. You may be worried or don’t want to get involved but please don’t turn a blind eye. The people of Colchester can help us to solve this murder and I’m appealing to you directly to call us with any information you may have.”

Crimestoppers has offered a reward of £10,000 payable for information which leads to the conviction of the person or people responsible for the murder of James Attfield.

The couple on the bench, or anyone who might know who they are, are asked to contact the incident room on 01245 282103 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.