A SENIOR police officer says he is fighting to get justice after a 22-year-old was fatally injured in Colchester.

A murder investigation was launched after Kurdish man Bako Azad Sheikha died in Distillery Lane in the Hythe on September 12.

Rakar Rahimi, 22, of no fixed abode, was charged with his murder and is due to appear in court on November 11 to issue his plea.

Since the probe began, officers from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate have analysed hours of CCTV footage and have spoken with dozens of individuals and witnesses.

Gazette: Evidence - forensics officers in Distillery LaneEvidence - forensics officers in Distillery Lane (Image: Newsquest)

A meeting was held this afternoon to thank residents who have supported the investigation so far, as well as to gauge the impact Bako’s death had on the community.

Senior Investigating Officer Antony Alcock said: “First and foremost, this was about me giving my personal thanks to the Kurdish community, both in Colchester and further afield.

“Their willingness to come forward and speak to us as a result of the incident has been absolutely critical to our investigation.”

Mr Alcock explained he is aware the death “shocked” the Kurdish community across Suffolk and Essex.

Gazette: Popular - Bako Azad Sheikha, left, with brother Zanko Popular - Bako Azad Sheikha, left, with brother Zanko (Image: Newsquest)

“The news of Bako’s death spread so quickly within the Kurdish community, who then became an integral part of our investigation, assisting us with multiple inquiries,” he added.

“I would like to thank those who we have spoken to for their help so far.”

He continued: “Investigations don’t just stop at the point of charge and we continue to have a number of officers working on this case to ensure justice for Bako’s family.

“We are continuing to appeal to anyone who may want to talk to us to get in contact, no matter how small the information may seem.”

Gazette: Probe - a forensics team arrives in the HytheProbe - a forensics team arrives in the Hythe (Image: Newsquest)

The police force’s Major Incident Public Portal has since been set up in both English and Kurdish to extend the opportunity available to those who want to provide information.

If you would like to help you should call the police on 101 and cite incident 82 of September 12.

If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact Crimestoppers, on 0800 555 111.

The MIPP can be accessed in English here and in Kurdish here.