POLICE have opened an investigation into the unexpected death of a man in Colchester.
Emergency services were called to Bourne Court at 7.30am on Friday after the man was spotted by a member of the public outside a block of flats.
Four police cars, a police ambulance, three forensics vans and one unmarked police car attended the scene and remained in place for much of Friday.
A police cordon was set up and was later extended by officers shortly after 9.20am.
About six forensics officers were on the scene and set up a forensic tent whilst other officers were seen speaking to members of the public as the investigation continued.
One neighbour told the Gazette how they saw the police cordon as soon as they got up.
They said: “The police were here quite early – I was up at 7.45am and I noticed police outside, and an ambulance.
“The cordon went up at about 8.30am – I saw it just outside the window.”
They added they had seen ambulances and police officers attending the area on numerous occasions over the past year because a man was in ill health.
They continued: “We've had police and ambulance round regularly throughout the last year – every couple of months.
“But we do know he has a family, so it is very sad.”
Dave Harris, councillor for Shrub End and Berechurch, has sent his condolences to the friends and family of the gentleman who died.
He said: “I will be there to support the community – it’s a very strong community and very close knit, so I do feel for them.
“I also feel for the family and friends; it’s how you want to pass away, doing so that suddenly.
“As far as I’m concerned, I feel for the community and the poor gentleman.
“It’s very rare for it to happen in Colchester and the area, so when it does, it is a shock.”
A spokesman for Essex Police said on Friday: “We were called to Bourne Court, Colchester, shortly after 7.30am this morning, Friday April 12, to concerns for the welfare of a man outside a property.
“Officers arrived and found a man had, sadly, died.
“At this stage, the man’s death is being treated as unexpected and under investigation.”
Anyone with any information should contact Essex Police on 101 and cite incident 234 on April 12.
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