POLICE have appealed for a wanted man to hand himself in after a "loving and caring" father was found dead in Jaywick.

Police launched a murder investigation after Andrew Bloomfield was discovered at a property in Hillman Avenue, Jaywick, shortly after 12.30pm on Friday.

Officers initially treated Mr Bloomfield’s death as unexplained but launched a murder probe on Sunday after a post-mortem examination found he died as a result of a head injury.

Earlier this week friends and family this week paid tribute to Mr Bloomfield as "loving and caring" man.

Police have today officially identified the victim as Mr Bloomfield.

Officers also appealed for Ian Woolcomb, who they want to speak to in connection with the investigation, to come forward.

The 42-year-old has links to Jaywick, Clacton, Hertfordshire and Cambridgeshire.

Senior investigating officer Detective Chief Inspector Martin Pasmore, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “I would urge Ian Woolcomb to contact us and hand himself in.

“It is in everyone’s interests that he does so and we will not give up on searching for him.

“Anyone who is found to be assisting him, in any way, will be subjected to a thorough investigation and could find themselves in court or even prison.

“I urge anyone who has information on his whereabouts but does not wish to contact us directly to please contact Crimestoppers anonymously.”

A 44-year-old woman from Clacton was arrested on suspicion of assault and later re-arrested on suspicion of murder. She has been released on conditional bail.

Anyone with information on Woolcomb's whereabouts is asked to call 999 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.