A MAN found dead at a town centre car park has been named by police.

Martin Dines, 56, was found in St Mary's Car Park just before 9am on Monday.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, he was declared dead at the scene.

A post mortem examination is being carried out today, Tuesday, April 24, and Mr Dines’ next of kin have been informed. 

Four people - three men and a woman have been arrested on suspicion of murder and remain in custody.

Police are now investigating reports of an assault in the Crouch Street and Head Street area of the town the night before Mr Dines was found.

Officers searched the area after receiving reports of an incident at 8.45pm on Sunday, but could find no trace of suspects or a victim. 

Det Chief Insp Stephen Jennings, who is leading the enquiries, said:  “Mr Dines’ next of kin have been informed of his death, and we are ensuring they are supported through this very difficult time. 

“At this stage we are very keen to speak with anyone who may have been in the Crouch Street area of Colchester from around 8.30pm on Sunday, to 9am on Monday.

“We’re keeping an open mind as to whether this report on Sunday of an alleged assault is connected with our enquiries. If you did see hear something, no matter how small, it could help the investigation. 

“We would like to thank the community in Colchester for their assistance in the first crucial 24 hours of this investigation.

"The ongoing forensic examination in St Mary’s car park has caused quite a lot of disruption, and we are grateful for people’s co-operation as this vital work is carried out.

“We are aware that this news will have had an impact locally, as Mr Dines’ was believed to have been a member of Colchester’s rough sleeping community.     

“This is a very unusual and worrying incident, and my team of detectives is working round the clock to establish what happened.” 

Police officers are carrying out join patrols with Colchester Borough Council Zone Wardens and PCSOs. A mobile police station is also now open on St Mary’s Field, opposite St Mary’s car park. 

The North Major Investigation Team can be contacted on 101 quoting  incident number 224 of April 23 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.