A CCTV camera which filmed more than 20 potential witnesses or suspects in the Jim Attfield murder investigation was showing the wrong time, it has been revealed.

Detectives confirmed the time on the footage was 54 minutes out, which made it harder to trace people in the pictures. Six witnesses have still not come forward.

Mr Attfield, 33, of East Bay, Colchester, was found with 102 stab wounds near Castle Park, Colchester, on Saturday, March 29, shortly before 6am.

A camera at nearby Middle Mill filmed more than 20 people, whose images were released by police in an effort to trace and question them.

Ray Hollingsworth, who appeared in one of the images, said: “The police called to say they had an image that might be me, timed at 4.50am.

"I told them it couldn’t beme, because I didn’t go out until after 5.30am.

"They showed me the image, but I was not there at the time.

"Later, they asked if it would make a difference if it had been 5.40am or 5.50am.

"I told them it made a big difference."

Mr Hollingsworth, 62, of Durham Square, Colchester, saw paramedics arrive and try to save Mr Attfield.

He recognised himself in one of the pictures and contacted police.

Acting Det Chief Insp Anne Cameron said: “When we seize material, we always aim to identify that the timings are correct at the earliest opportunity. It is always frustrating when they are not.”

Posters showing six images of people police have never traced have been put up around the town – with the correct times displayed.

Colchester Council deny the timing was wrong.

A spokesman said: “We have not been made aware of any issues.

“Having carried out testing on the satellite feed we have not identified any faults.”