Police have praised a woman who responded to a murder investigation witness appeal in Colchester - minutes after its launch.

Detectives investigating the murder of James Attfield, who was found with more than 100 stab wounds in Castle Park on Saturday, March 29, wanted to speak to the woman after she was seen on CCTV talking to Mr Attfield in the River Lodge pub -where he was last seen alive.

“This woman has now contacted police and detectives will speak to her,” said a police spokesman.

“Essex Police would like to thank her for contacting the force after the social media appeal.”

A Crimestoppers reward of up to £5,000 still remains on offer for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person or people responsible for the murder.

Anyone with information is asked to call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A man and a woman, both aged 27 and from Colchester, are currently on police bail until Friday, May 9, after having been arrested in connection with the murder.