TWO suspects arrested in connection with the murder of Jim Attfield have been released on police bail.

A 27-year-old man and 27-year-old woman from Colchester have both been questioned as part of the investigation following the savage murder.

Father-of-five Jim, 33, of East Bay, Colchester, was found stabbed 102 times near Lower Castle Park at 5.45am on Saturday, March 29.

Detectives still need to speak to several witnesses who may hold crucial information after the attack or who may have seen something between 10.10pm the previous evening when he left River Lodge and the time he was found unconscious between the lake and Guildford Road.

He died soon after.

More than 20 people have failed to come forward following the release of CCTV images which is frustrating efforts to catch the killer or killers.

Yesterday two homes, in Hunting Gate, off Greenstead Road and Collingwood Road, were raided as part of the ongoing investigation.

One man has already been arrested and releasted without charge.

Officers continue to try and piece together his movements.

In particular they want to speak to three people depicted in efits and people in the CCTV images.

Det Chief Insp Simon Werrett, said: "We still have 20 people who we need to speak to and potentially eliminate having released their images from the CCTV.

"In particular, we are keen to gather further information about the group of three people.

"We would like to hear from anyone who saw this trio at any time during the evening but in particular between midnight and 2.15am.

"We would also repeat our appeal for anyone with information about James’ death to contact the enquiry team.

"There is a reward of up to £5,000 on offer for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of the person, or persons, responsible.”

Officers are also still trying to trace a couple who were seen sitting on a bench in Lower Castle Park close to the lake at 11.30pm on Friday, March 28.

The man is described as white, of stocky build and appears tall with long legs. The only description of the woman is that she is white.

They were sitting at opposite ends of the bench and it is not certain if they know each other, although they may have been a couple who had had a row earlier in the evening and were sitting apart not talking to each other.

Approximately 10 metres away from where this couple were sat, there was also a man sat on the grass who was white, aged in his 30s and was wearing a dark jacket and possibly jeans.

This may, or may not, have been James Attfield.

Anyone with information is asked to call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.