Police are continuing to investigate after a man died and two others were injured when a car crashed into a pub.

This is everything we know following the incident in the early hours of Sunday morning.

Police called to The Spinnaker Public House

Officers were called shortly after 12.50am following reports that a white Nissan Qashqai had crashed into The Spinnaker Public House in Hythe, Quay, Colchester.

Following the collision Hythe Quay was closed for around seven hours and was reopened at around 9am.

Tragically a 36 year-old man died at the scene.

A 34 year-old man has been taken to hospital with life changing injures and two others, a 34 year-old woman and a 33 year-old man, were also taken to hospital with minor injuries.

A 40 year-old man has been arrested on suspicion of murder, causing grievous bodily harm with intent, death by dangerous driving and assault.

Police appeal for people to come forward

A spokesman said: "We would like to speak to any who saw a white Nissan Qashqai in the local area before the incident took place and anyone who was in the pub at the time and has yet to speak to officers.

"If you have any information about the incident, dash cam or mobile phone footage please call us on 101 quoting incident 63 of 3 November or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111."

Witnesses say sound was like 'a bomb'

Kirsty Milligan, 28, was in the pub on Saturday night and was seated exactly where the car ploughed through the wall.

She said her friends described the sound to be “like a bomb was going off ”.

She said: “Luckily we left 20 minutes before it happened to drop a friend home, and then on the way back saw this right where we had sat.

“We spoke to some of the people who were inside as we had got chatting earlier on in the evening, my friend’s mate and his mate had to go hospital.

“My partner said to me it’s like a Final Destination film - we managed to skip death.”

Other witnesses at the scene said they saw at least seven ambulances and an air ambulance at the pub on the night.

The Spinnaker owners pay tribute to man killed in crash

In a statement on their Facebook page, owners Rod and Bridget said: "A very massive thank you for all the support we have received today from family, friends and our awesome Spinnaker regulars you have helped Bridget and I get through a very dark day.

"We are devastated that a wonderful talented young man has lost his life through no fault of his own and pass on our condolences to his family, girlfriend and friends.

"We so hope our amazing courageous friend Ian can battle his injuries and come back to us and Carl be strong you were both amazing in the face of such devastation.

"Something early this morning put the Great back in Great Britain for me and that was the amazing professionalism of our emergency services your efforts will never be forgotten.

"We will be closed for some time to rectify the structural and interior damage. Thank you all love Rod and Bridget."

Spinnaker pub car crash victim named​

The man has been named locally as Stuart McClung, a guitarist for the popular reggae band New Town Kings.

The eight-piece band formed in 2006 and have gone on to become one of Colchester’s most celebrated musical acts.

Ian Armstrong, of the band's promoters Hidden Talent Booking, said: "Stuart was a very nice man, we got on well but I didn't know him outside the group.

"I'm sure the band are in shock right now."

Australian musician Tony Gibsong posted of Facebook: "I remember many shiny days touring and playing with New Town Kings when I lived in the UK.

"So sadly last night one of them passed away... this is dedicated to Stuart McClung you were an amazing man. We will miss you."