POLICE patrols are set to be ramped up in Colchester after a man in his twenties was fatally injured.
A 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder in Dover on Monday evening after a Kurdish man died from his wounds in Distillery Lane, in the Hythe.
Police officers remained at the scene from 2am on Monday with a cordon in place while forensics officers probed the quiet country track.
Speaking exclusively to the Gazette, Colchester District Commander Rob Huddleston stated he believes there is no wider threat to the public.
“We know a murder investigation really ripples throughout a community and increases the fear of crime,” said the chief inspector.
“Over the coming week there will be additional officers brought in to provide some really high visibility patrols so residents who do have concerns, especially those in the area, can be provided reassurance.
“It shocks residents when something like this happens in the area, obviously everyone was worried.”
Officers believe the victim and the arrested man were known to each other, with the latter, of no fixed address, now held in police custody on suspicion of murder.
The family of the deceased, a Kurdish man aged in his early twenties, is being supported by specialist officers.
It is understood the incident is not being treated as racially aggravated or motivated.
“These incidents are really shocking to residents and the wider community and we get that,” said Mr Huddleston.
“We’re reaching out to the Kurdish community to give them some reassurance.
“I don’t see any wider threat to the public and I can’t reassure residents enough that Colchester is a fantastic place to live.
The chief inspector added: “If anyone from the community has any information about this incident please get in touch with us.”
Old Heath and Hythe councillor Adam Fox offered his sympathies to the loved ones of the man who died.
He said: “It is important that anyone with any information about what may have happened contacts Essex Police.
“I would encourage anyone who saw or heard anything in the area to pass these details on.”
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