UPDATE: Clacton man arrested in connection with alleged murder of man discovered lying in the road in an Essex village.

A 59-year-old man from the Clacton area has been arrested on suspicion of conspiracy to commit murder.

Anthony Prickett, 42, was found with gunshot wounds in Park Road, St Osyth, at around 5am on Thursday.

A 36-year-old man also from the Clacton area was arrested in Scotland yesterday on suspicion of murder and was due to be brought back to Essex for questioning.

Police officers discovered Mr Prickett after receiving reports that someone had been shot. He was taken to Colchester General Hospital by ambulance and he was confirmed dead in the afternoon.

A police dog team and investigating officers searched the area for evidence and Park Road was taped off for several hours.

Residents have spoken of their shock that such a violent incident had happened in what is usually a quiet neighbourhood.

One resident, who lives on nearby Rochford Road and wanted to remain anonymous, said she found out about the shooting in the morning after her partner came back home from walking their dog.

“My fiance came back and said there were police cars at the end of the road so I went outside and asked them what had happened because I think we have a right to know,” she said. “An officer said there had been an incident but that was it. By 10 o’clock everyone was outside their houses talking about it. It’s awful.

“It’s a lovely area, everyone’s neighbourly, I’ve got no complaints but this is a shock for the community.”

Daniel Broad, who also lives on Rochford Road, said: “You get a bit of crime, but never anything like this. The most you get is theft from shops, not a shooting, so it’s big news for round here.”

A Facebook page has been set up in his memory with many people expressing their shock about what has happened.

Danny Keston posted a message saying: “Can not believe this has happened... I’ll never forget you and all the great time we had, things wont ever be the same. Cant believe your gone. Gonna miss you mate. Sleep well brother. xxx.”

Essex and Kent’s Serious Crime Directorate, which targets serious and organised crime in both counties, is leading the investigation while officers search a number of addresses, including one in Brightlingsea.

Anyone with information should call the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate on 0300 333 4444.