A man has been charged with the murder of three men in Colchester.

The bodies of two victims were found inside a property in Wellesley Road during the early hours of Sunday.

Police have identified the victims as 35-year-old Danny Gibson and 31-year-old Jason Gibson, both from Colchester.

The body of a third man was found inside a car in Hospital Road.He has been identified as 35-year-old Richard Booth, also from Colchester.

Post-mortem examinations took place yesterday and found they all died as a result of multiple stab wounds.

Tom Saunders, 32, of Bounstead Road, Colchester was arrested on Sunday in connection with their deaths.

He was charged in the early hours of Tuesday with three counts of murder and is due to appear at Colchester Magistrates’ Court today.

Detectives are continuing their investigation and a police cordon remains in place in Wellesley Road while specialist teams search ten areas that are being treated as crime scenes.

Colchester district commander, Chief Insp Rob Huddleston, said: "I want to thank residents for their understanding, patience and co-operation while we continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding these tragic deaths.

"This incident has left our community shocked and saddened.

"We are treating it as a targeted and isolated incident. Those involved were well known to each other and we do not believe it was linked to any gang-related crime or drug use.

"Colchester is a safe place to live, work and socialise and we will continue to work with our partners to ensure this continues.

"We are carrying out extra patrols in the area and if you have any concerns, please don't hesitate to speak to one of my officers.

Anyone with information is asked to contact the Major Crime Team on 101 or email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk

Information can also be given anonymously to Crimestoppers by calling 0800 555 111 or visiting crimestoppers-uk.org