SHOCKED residents and councillors have been left reeling after a murder in their neighbourhood.
Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate has launched a major investigation after a man was found in Distillery Lane, Colchester.
Despite the efforts of emergency services, who arrived at the scene in the early hours of Monday morning, a man was pronounced dead after suffering major injuries.
With no arrests having been made following the murder, members of the public have been urged to take as many precautions as possible for their own safety.
Distillery Lane, part of which is an unlit thoroughfare leading from Haven Road to Old Heath Road and Whitehall Close, was shut yesterday whilst forensics officers investigated the scene.
Now, longstanding councillor Mike Lilley has implored anyone in the area, who may have any evidence relating to the incident, to report it to the authorities as a matter of urgency.
He said: “It’s shocking news that it’s happened in this area of ours.
“It’s quite dark and wooded [that part of Distillery Lane] but it’s still shocking this has happened in Colchester – we are really not used to things like this going on.
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“If anyone was around or heard anything, even though it was 2am in the morning, please contact the police straight away and let them know, because anything can help.
“The police will need all the help they can to help catch the terrible person or persons who did this.
As with many others, Mr Lilley came across the news of the murder via social media, with Essex Police releasing an official statement on Twitter late yesterday morning.
“It came through on my Twitter feed when I logged on – someone said there were loads of police vehicles in the area and everywhere was taped off.
“Normally, that means a very serious incident has happened but it’s turned out to be a murder, which is a terrible thing.”
Mr Lilley added that residents should be especially cautious around the area at night given any suspects have yet to be arrested.
“We know there are students who live in the area, so please take great care going home – always try and stay paired and don’t risk walking home alone.”
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