A 22-YEAR-OLD man remains in custody as police officers continue to investigate how a Kurdish man was fatally injured in Colchester.

Officers rushed to Distillery Lane in the Hythe on Monday after reports a man had suffered life-threatening wounds.

Rakar Rahimi, 22,of no fixed abode has been charged with murder. He will appear at Colchester Magistrates' Court tomorrow, Friday, September 16.

Rahimi was arrested on suspicion of murder hours after the victim, Bako Azad, was declared dead at the scene at about 2am.

He remains in police custody after the investigative team were granted with a warrant of further detention.

Gazette: Popular - Bako Azad Popular - Bako Azad (Image: Newsquest)

Bako, a 23-year-old of Kurdish descent, was known to be a popular figure within Colchester, having arrived in the area as a youngster from Iraq.

Tributes have flooded in since the Gazette revealed Bako was the victim of Monday morning’s tragic incident.

Among them is Charlie Smith, 21, who was first introduced to the 23-year-old via a mutual friend while studying at Colchester Institute, in Sheepen Road.

He said: “I was on my own at college as none of my friends came there with me. Bako took me under his arm and looked after me.

Gazette: Missed - Bako Azad died on MondayMissed - Bako Azad died on Monday (Image: Newsquest)

“We used to chill together in town and meet in Castle Park. He would often bring me food, he was like a brother to me.

“He was very jokey and always had a big smile on his face. If I saw him in town there would always be a big burst of energy, this was his personality.

“He would often drive around playing music or chilling with his friends. He just loved to be with others and make them happy.”

Charlie, who now works in logistics, said he broke down when he heard what had happened to his friend.

Gazette: Cordon - police officers guard the scene in Distillery LaneCordon - police officers guard the scene in Distillery Lane (Image: Newsquest)

“I was really, really close to him. I didn’t expect it. I’m in shock, I still don’t really believe it happened,” he added.

The Kurdish community in Colchester has since paid tribute to Bako while reeling from the news of his death.

Shops in Queen Street closed their doors as a mark of respect, with Arbil restaurant owner Farhad Mohammad stating he has cried every day since he heard what had happened.