TRIBUTES have been paid to a devoted father who was stabbed to death.

Police launched a murder investigation after a man was found dead in Buffett Way, Colchester, at 1.10am on Tuesday.

He died despite the best efforts of paramedics.

Police have now identified him as Murdoch Brown, 31, from Colchester.

In a statement, his family revealed his death had left them heartbroken.

They said: “Murdoch was a much-loved partner, son, brother and uncle.

“He was a devoted father to his children and his family are heartbroken. They wish to grieve in peace.

“He will be very much missed by his family and friends.”

A second man, identified as 44 year-old Robert Brown, was also believed to have been injured but left the scene before emergency services arrived.

Police have now located him and he is not seriously injured.

Detective Chief Insp Daniel Stoten, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “We remain open-minded as to the circumstances surrounding what happened but at this early stage but we do not believe there is a risk to the wider public.

“I’d like to thank members of the public who have helped us with our enquiries so far.

“We’d like to speak to anyone who was in the Buffett Way area in the early hours of this morning and saw what happened or anything suspicious.

“This is an awful incident where a 31 year old father has been murdered. We believe that two men ran from Buffett Way shortly after 1am. If you saw anyone in the area I need to hear from you. We would like to speak to anyone who lives in the area and has CCTV or has a vehicle with a dashcam and was either parked in or driving in the Greensted area between 10pm and 2am.”

Witnesses and anyone with information are asked to call the North Major Crime Team on 101 or email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100% anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org