Two people on police bail in connection with the murder of James Attfield have been released without charge – meaning there is now no-one on bail for the crime.

East Anglian Daily Times: Detectives believe there is a possibility that a man and woman recorded on CCTV are the same couple seen later that evening on a bench and so become key witnesses to the murder of a Colchester man in March.Detectives believe there is a possibility that a man and woman recorded on CCTV are the same couple seen later that evening on a bench and so become key witnesses to the murder of a Colchester man in March. (Image: Archant)

Mr Attfield, 33, was stabbed 102 times close to Colchester’s Lower Castle Park and was found shortly before 6am on Saturday March 29. He sadly died at the scene.

A 19-year-old man from Colchester arrested in connection with the case, and a 23-year-old Ipswich woman arrested on suspicion of perverting the course of justice, are now no longer required to answer bail.

However Essex Police said the investigation into Mr Attfield’s death was still ongoing with officers pursuing “active lines of enquiry”.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Werrett, senior investigating officer, said: “The circumstances of James death, the open location he was found, the nature of the forensic and digital evidence, and the information we have uncovered so far mean that this is a complex and involved investigation.

“I remain convinced that the key to solving James’ death remains in the Colchester community and I am sure that people still have information that could assist us.

“I remain confident that with the team I have and the assistance of the people of Colchester we will find out who killed James and there are a number of active lines of enquiry that we are still progressing.”

In particular Essex Police is still trying to find a couple pictured on CCTV who were late seen sitting on a bench in Castle Park and a mystery woman who spoke to Mr Attfield on Facebook a week before his murder.

Mr Attfield, known as Jim, was a student from East Bay in the town and was last seen at the River Lodge pub in Middleborough, Colcjester, at 10pm the night before he was found.

Anyone with information which could help the investigation should contact the incident room on 01245 282103 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

They can also email scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk.