ST Mary's Car Park is set to remain closed for up to 48 hours as detectives continue to investigate a murder.

A man was found dead in the Balkerne Hill car park shortly before 9am this morning.

It means anyone whose car is parked in the car park has not been able to take their vehicle home. 

However, officers are now on hand to allow people with "urgent requirements" to get their car out.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "The car park has been closed since the discovery and we understand how this has impacted upon people who will have left their cars there before we closed the car park.

"Officers are on scene and are able to allow people with urgent requirements to get their cars to enter the car park from 6.30pm.

"We are also drafting in extra officers from across the county to support local officers at the scene to get this done as quickly as possible.

"The car park will remain closed for at least the next 48 hours to allow investigations at the scene to be carried out and so motorists are advised to make alternative arrangements until advised otherwise."