Detectives investigating the murder of James Attfield have renewed their appeal for help from the public a week after the killer struck.

Mr Attfield, of East Bay, Colchester, died on Saturday, March 29 after he was found in Castle Park with more than 100 injuries just before 5.45am.

Police were at the murder scene from about 9pm last night until dawn this morning, talking to people who might have been in the park at the same time last weekend.

DCI Simon Werrett, who is leading the investigation, said: “We spoke to about 50 people during the course of the night and we have been given some useful information that is currently being followed up.

“We also want to trace a man and a woman who would have been sitting on a bench in the park, by the lake. The only description is they were white and may have been smoking. This would have been about 11.30pm on Friday evening.

“We also want to hear from anyone who may know someone who returned home early last Saturday morning with blood-covered clothing which they may have disposed of quickly.”

A 38-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder has since been released without charge.

DCI Werrett added that forensic investigations and searches were continuing in the park today,and that officers were also searching a council tip for the contents of bins from the park that were emptied at the refuse site during the past week.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the North Major Investigation Team on 01206 576845, 101 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.