The family of a man who was stabbed to death in Colchester have paid tribute to a “devoted father” whose death has left them heartbroken.

East Anglian Daily Times: Witnesses said up to 20 police cars were at the scene of the stabbing in Colchester Picture: SIMON DAVISWitnesses said up to 20 police cars were at the scene of the stabbing in Colchester Picture: SIMON DAVIS (Image: SIMON DAVIS)

Emergency services were called to Buffett Way, shortly before 1.10am, Tuesday, May 7, to reports a man in his 30s had been stabbed.

Murdoch Brown, 31, from Colchester, died at the scene, despite the efforts of paramedics to resuscitate him.

His family described Mr Brown as a "much-loved partner, son, brother and uncle".

"He was a devoted father to his children and his family are heartbroken," they said.

East Anglian Daily Times: Witnesses and anyone with information are asked to call the North Major Crime Team on 101 Picture: ARCHANTWitnesses and anyone with information are asked to call the North Major Crime Team on 101 Picture: ARCHANT

"They wish to grieve in peace. He will be very much missed by his family and friends."

A second man, identified as 44 year-old Robert Brown, was also believed to have been injured but left the scene before emergency services arrived.

He has now been located and is not seriously injured.

Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Stoten, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "We remain open-minded as to the circumstances surrounding what happened but at this early stage we do not believe there is a risk to the wider public.

East Anglian Daily Times: Police ave found Robert Brown, who they believed to have been injured in the incident. Picture: ESSEX POLICEPolice ave found Robert Brown, who they believed to have been injured in the incident. Picture: ESSEX POLICE (Image: ESSEX POLICE)

"This is an awful incident where a 31-year-old father has been murdered. We believe that two men ran from Buffett Way shortly after 1am.

"If you saw anyone in the area I need to hear from you. We would like to speak to anyone who lives in the area and has CCTV or has a vehicle with a dashcam and was either parked in or driving in the Greenstead area between 10pm and 2am."

Police launched a drone to survey the area, as well as having 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 by the sound of a helicopter.

East Anglian Daily Times: A cordon remains in place in Buffett Way Picture: ARCHANTA cordon remains in place in Buffett Way Picture: ARCHANT

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 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."

Witnesses and anyone with information are asked to call the North Major Crime Team on 101 or email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk.

East Anglian Daily Times: A police drone is circling overhead following reports of a stabbing in Colchester Picture: SIMON DAVISA police drone is circling overhead following reports of a stabbing in Colchester Picture: SIMON DAVIS (Image: SIMON DAVIS)