A SENIOR detective says he is convinced the people of Colchester hold the key to catching the killer of James Attfield.

James, also known as Jim, was found seriously injured with more than 100 stab wounds on the Riverside Path in Colchester shortly before 6am on Saturday, March 29.

The 33-year-old died a short time later at the scene.

Detective Chief Inspector Simon Werrett’s assertion comes as the last two people arrested in connection with the murder investigation have been released without charge.

A 19-year-old man and a 23-year-old woman were due to answer bail this week but have been told they no longer have to.

Several others were also arrested on suspicion of murder, but have been released from their bail although they remain part of the investigation.

Det Ch Insp Simon Werrett, said: "The circumstances of James’ death, the open location he was found in, the nature of the forensic and digital evidence, and the information we have uncovered so far mean that this is a complex and involved investigation.

“I remain convinced that the key to solving James’ death remains in the Colchester community and I am sure that people still have information that could assist us.

“I remain confident that with the team I have and the assistance of the people of Colchester we will find out who killed James and there are a number of active lines of enquiry that we are still progressing.”

James, from East Bay, in Colchester, was last seen in the River Lodge, in Middleborough on Friday, March 28.

He left there shortly after 10pm but so far there have been no confirmed sightings of him.

Anyone with information on James’ death should contact the incident room on 01245 282103 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.

The public can also email scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk.