A murder investigation is underway after a man was stabbed to death in Colchester.
Officers were called shortly before 1.10am today, Tuesday, May 7, with reports of stabbing in Buffett Way.
A man in his 30s was found injured and, despite the best efforts of paramedics, he later died.
Police have since clarified they are treating the man’s death as murder.
A second man is also thought to be hurt, but police say he left the scene before emergency services arrived.
He has been identified as Robert Brown, 44, of no fixed address, and is believed to have links to Braintree and Colchester.
Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “It’s really important that we find Robert Brown as he may be seriously injured and we and his family are very concerned for his welfare.
“We ask Robert or anyone who knows where he is to please get in touch so that we can make sure he is okay and he received any medical treatment he might need.”
Our journalist at the scene has witnessed police launching a drone to survey the area, as well as forensics teams and multiple officers on site.
Two people living in flats opposite the crime scene, who did not wish to give their names, said they were woken this morning by the sound of a helicopter.
Christian Laven, who was cycling near to the scene just after midnight, said he saw several police cars in Buffett Way.
“I don’t think anyone’s really been informed what’s happening so far,” he said.
“I think a lot of people are anxious to hear about the news. They’re not too sure about having all of this going on 20 metres from where they’re living.”
A cordon remains in place in Buffett Way.
Det Sup Int Jennings added: “We are continuing our enquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident, and we’d like to speak to anyone who was in the Buffett Way area in the early hours of this morning and saw what happened or anything suspicious.
“We’re also keen to speak to anyone with CCTV, dash cam or mobile phone footage.”
Witnesses and anyone with information are asked to call the North Major Crime Team on 101 or contact the force via email.
Alternatively, people can call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 11.
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