COMMUNITY safety bosses say they are committed to helping rough sleepers following the death of a homeless man.

Martin Dines, 56, was found in St Mary’s Car Park in Colchester town centre on Monday morning.

Colchester Council runs a number of initiatives helping signpost homeless people to appropriate support groups and has recently applied for a £24,000 joint grant with Tendring Council to employ a rough sleeping co-ordinator.

Members of the Safer Colchester Partnership – which is made up of the council, Essex Police, and other agencies – say they are committed to ensuring the town is safe for everyone.

Colchester’s district commander Chief Insp Shaun Kane said: "My thoughts are very much with the family and friends of Mr Dines at this very difficult time and I want to thank members of the public for their support during our ongoing enquiries into his death.

“Two people have been charged with murder in connection with our investigation.

“We know it has shaken the community and we have been speaking with residents and offering support to members of the rough sleeping community who may have been affected by his tragic death.

“Our officers and PCSOs have been carrying out joint patrols with Colchester Borough Council Zone Wardens and a mobile police station was opened on St Mary’s Field.

“We will continue to work with our colleagues in the Safer Colchester Partnership to tackle crime and provide support to all members of our community.”

Safer Colchester Partnership chairman Pam Donnelly said: “Mr Dines’ death is both shocking and tragic and our thoughts are with his family and friends at this sad and difficult time.

“I would like to offer my reassurances, on behalf of all of the community safety partners working in the borough, that we are fully committed to ensuring Colchester is a safe and welcoming place that accepts and protects all of its communities.

“It is absolutely vital that we continue to work in partnership to engage with vulnerable rough sleepers and other people at risk of homelessness, so that we can signpost them to the services best able to provide them with the specialist help and support they need.

“In this way, we can begin to help those with chaotic and complicated lives gain access to the right services and eventually find the best path to a safer life off the streets.

“I would also encourage any resident who is concerned with the welfare of anyone sleeping rough in the borough to send an alert to StreetLink.”

Two people have been charged in connection with Mr Dines’ murder.

Darren Miller, 45, of no fixed abode and Heidi Kennedy, 46, of Queen Elizabeth Way, Colchester, were due to appear at Chelmsford Crown Court on Friday.