Police link Colchester murder investigation with George Street stabbing

The victim of the George Street stabbing is in hospital in a serious condition Picture: JAKE FOXFORD (Image: Archant)

Police were called just after 8.20am on Monday, February 11, to reports a man, who has not yet been identified, had been found dead in Ryegate Road.

It is believed he suffered a stab wound to his back.

Police are linking the death to another stabbing into the town, which happened just before 9.55pm the day before, Sunday, February 10.

A 40-year-old man was found in George Street with stab wounds to his back and was rushed to hospital with serious injuries however they are not believed to be life-threatening or life-changing.

Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “We are keeping an open mind as to the motives behind these violent incidents, however we are treating them as linked.

“This is because of the close proximity of the locations where the men were found.

“We believe these were targeted, isolated attacks and we will be working round the clock to find whoever is responsible.

“Colchester is a safe place but we understand people will naturally be concerned and we have increased patrols in the area to provide extra reassurance.

“We want to speak to anyone who was in Ryegate Road or George Street at the times of these incidents and saw anything suspicious.

“We’re grateful to those people who have already come forward with information, as any piece of information, however small, could really help our investigation.”

If you witnessed anything or have information that could assist officers in their investigation, contact the North Major Crime team on 101 quoting incident 208 of February 11.

You can also report online at www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111 or visit www.crimestoppers-uk.org