AN inquest into the death of a man stabbed to death on a housing estate has opened.

Police have opened a murder investigation after Murdoch Brown, 31, died in the early hours of Monday morning.

Officers and paramedics were called to Buffett Way, Colchester, but Mr Brown sadly died in hospital.

Senior coroner Caroline Beasley-Murray opened and adjourned the inquest into his death – but did not fix a date for a full hearing because of the ongoing police investigation.

Coroner’s officer Nicholas Nightingale said: “Murdoch Brown died on May 7.

“He was of no fixed address at the time.

“He died in Colchester Hospital.

“At about 1.08am he was found outside an address in Colchester with multiple stab wounds to his lower limbs.

“He was conveyed to Colchester Hospital where he died at 2.54am.”

A post mortem examination undertaken by Dr Jonathan Swift showed he died as a result of hypovolemic shock, due to blood loss from stab wounds to his legs.

More tests are being planned.

Police are hunting for two men seen running away from the scene of where Mr Brown was stabbed.

One was described as white, aged in his early 20s, and 5ft 6ins tall. He was slim, unshaven, and wore a light grey Adidas tracksuit with a hooded top.

The other was described as black, aged about 17 and 5ft 6ins tall. He was very slim and wore a dark blue Adidas tracksuit with a hooded top.

A second man, aged 44, was also assaulted but not stabbed. He suffered minor injuries.

Any witnesses or people living nearby who have not spoken to police should call the North Major Crime Team on 101 or email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk

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