POLICE have been searching a flat as part of a murder probe.

It is understood the search, in New Kiln Road, Lexden, is part of the murder investigation into the death of rough sleeper Martin Dines.

Mr Dines, 56, was found dead in the stairwell of St Mary’s car park, in Balkerne Hill, Colchester, shortly before 9am on Monday morning. 

A murder investigation was launched and four people, all of whom were arrested on suspicion of murder, are still being quizzed by police. 

Residents who live in New Kiln Road have not been officially told why police are on the scene.

But it is understood a flat was raided at roughly 10pm on Monday night and a number of people were arrested.

Officers have been on the scene ever since.

Six police cars were on the street this morning.

One neighbour said: “What we have heard is three people were arrested there on Monday night.

“Someone told me there was an almighty crash at about 10pm and police have been here ever since.

“They have been in and out with the forensic suits on.”

Officers could be seen removing items from the property as the investigation continued.

The neighbour said she felt incredibly sorry for Mr Dines.

She said: “This man is 66-years-old. 

“He is a pensioner and he had nowhere to sleep at night.

“Whoever has done this to him are lowlifes and they will have a bed to sleep in.

“Why couldn’t he have had that?

“There are elections coming up and more has to be done with homelessness.”

St Mary’s car park reopened to the public on Tuesday night having been shut since Monday morning except for people picking up their cars.

There was still a police presence at the site yesterday, with a small section cordoned off as investigations continued.

The mobile police station stationed in St Mary’s Field shortly after Mr Dines’ death was still there and officers are carrying out join patrols with Colchester Council zone wardens and PCSOs.

Police are still appealing for information about the hours leading up to the death.

Detectives believe Mr Dines had been involved in an altercation on Sunday night in the Head Street or Crouch Street area of town.

Officers attended but could not find anything and inquiries into whether the two incidents are connected are ongoing.

Det Chief Insp Stephen Jennings, who is leading the investigation, described the incident as “unusual and worrying.”

Anyone with information should call the North Major Investigation Team on 101quoting  incident number 224 of April 23 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.