MURDER probe detectives are still desperate to speak to more than ten potential witnesses following the brutal stabbing of a man in Colchester.

Police say they are continuing to eliminate people from their inquiry six weeks after the savage murder of James Attfield.

The dad-of-five was found with more than 100 stab wounds in Castle Park off Guildford Road shortly before 6am on March 29.

He died a short time later at the scene.

Cops say a recent BBC Crimewatch appeal was successful in reaching a wide audience in the Colchester community.

But detectives still want to hear from eight male individuals, a female, and a man and woman who were sat on a park bench possibly opposite Mr Attfield who was sitting on the grass.

They were sitting at opposite ends of the bench at 11.30pm on Friday, March 28.

It is unknown whether they knew each other and could be a couple who had rowed earlier in the evening and not talking to each other.

Both were white and the man was of stocky build with long legs.

Another man was sitting on the grass about 10m away. He was white, aged in his 30s, and was wearing a dark jacket and possibly jeans.

Police say he may have been Mr Attfield.

A Crimestoppers reward of up to £5,000 is on offer for information which leads to the arrest and conviction of those responsible for the murder.

Anyone with information should call Essex Police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.

A man and a woman, both aged 27 and from Colchester, are currently on police bail until Friday after having been arrested in connection with the murder.