Detectives release a new description following the murder of an Essex University student, as a scholarship is announced in her memory.

Saudi national Nahid Almanea was stabbed 16 times on the Salary Brook Trail, off the Greenstead estate in Colchester, on Tuesday June 17.

After extensive enquiries in her murder investigation, police now want to speak to a man seen wearing a distinctive dark blue or green Trilby hat and a long dark-coloured trench coat in the area at the time of Ms Almanea’s death.

Detective Chief Superintendent said he was also keen to hear from any fishermen or bird watchers who had been along the trail on the night before or the morning of Ms Almanea’s death.

A female dog walker, who used the underpass along the trail between 10am and 10.40am is also wanted by police as she may hold vital clues to the identity of Ms Almanea’s killer.

Two other witness appeals, one for a man wearing a beige Italian-style jacket and a second for a man seen running away from the trail wearing a red hooded top, remain outstanding.

The trail remains cordoned off while search teams continue to comb the area for clues, and Mr Worron said it would remain closed for another two or three days.

A Crimestoppers’ reward of £10,000 is on offer to anyone with information which leads to the conviction of someone for the murder.

Anyone with information should contact the investigation centre on 01245 282103, or Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Essex University has announced a scholarship in memory of Ms Almanea, who had been studying on the English language Programme at the International Academy since January with a view to beginning a PhD.

Donations can now be made online towards the scholarship fund with the final details being developed in discussion with her family and friends.

It is expected the scholarship will be awarded to an international student who wants to work in science education and further information will be released as soon as possible.

Vice-Chancellor Professor Anthony Forster said: “Nahid was an exceptional student who had impressed her teachers through her hard work and enthusiasm for her studies. She will be missed by all who knew her.

“The scholarship in memory of Nahid will help us to honour a talented member of our community both now and in the years ahead.

“Our university is incredibly proud of the strength of our international and diverse community and we hope people will stand with us in remembering and honouring Nahid by making a donation to the scholarship fund.”

Those wanting to make a donation can go to the Essex Spirit blog.