Murder investigation launched after three bodies found at address in Essex

Police arrest 32-year-old man from Colchester on suspicion of murder

A murder investigation has been launched after three men were found dead at a home in Essex, police have said.

Officers said they found two men dead inside a property in Colchester and the body of a third man in a car outside.

Essex Police were called to Wellesley Road at about 10.15pm on Saturday over concerns for the welfare of two men following reports of a fight.

A 32-year-old man from Colchester has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

“Detectives are not looking for anyone else in connection with the incident, but are keeping an open mind,” an Essex Police spokesperson said.

They added: “[Detectives] would like to speak to anyone who was in or around the Wellesley Road area between 6pm on Saturday 5 October and 1am on Sunday 6 October and witnessed any suspicious or unusual behaviour.”

Residents were reportedly unaware of the alleged murders last night.

David Beales, an Anglican minister who lives on the street opposite the home perty affected, said he "heard nothing" overnight and woke up to find police officers walking up and down the road.

"This is normally quite a peaceful street," he said.

"There has been a history of sometimes noise in the flats where the incident took place, but nothing dire like this."

Mr Beales explained he did not know anyone affected by the incident, but had phoned to check on an elderly neighbour in the flats.

Another resident, who chose to remain anonymous, said they were woken up at about 1am by a truck removing a car but were unaware of the violent incident.

Wellesley Road is closed while inquiries continue.

Anyone with information on the incident has been asked to contact Essex Police on 101 quoting incident 14000 of 5 October or to email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively, anyone with information can contact Crimestoppers anonymously by calling 0800 555 111.

Agencies contributed to this report