DETECTIVES believe two incidents where a man was found dead and another stabbed are linked and have described them as targeted but isolated.

Police were called to Ryegate Road, Colchester, shortly after 8.20am on Monday after a man who has yet to be identified was found dead.

It is believed he had suffered a stab wound to his back.

Officersthink this is linked to another incident, which happened shortly before 9.55pm on Sunday.

A 40-year-old man was found in George Street with stab wounds to his back and was taken to hospital with serious injuries, which are not believed to be life threatening.

Detective Superintendent Stephen Jennings, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “We are keeping an open mind as to the motives behind these violent incidents, however we are treating them as linked.

“This is because of the close proximity of the locations where the men were found.

“We believe these were targeted, isolated attacks and we will be working round the clock to find whoever is responsible.

Gazette:

“Colchester is a safe place but we understand people will naturally be concerned and we have increased patrols in the area to provide extra reassurance.

“We want to speak to anyone who was in Ryegate Road or George Street at the times of these incidents and saw anything suspicious.

“We’re grateful to those people who have already come forward with information, as any piece of information, however small, could really help our investigation.”

Contact the North Major Crime team on 101 quoting incident 208 of Monday.

You can also report online at www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity on 0800 555 111.