A MAN has been charged with murder as part of an ongoing investigation into the death of a man in Colchester. 

An investigation by the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate was launched in the early hours of Monday, September 12, following the death of a man in Distillery Lane, Colchester. 

On Monday night, a 22-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of murder. This afternoon, the investigative team’s enquiries have resulted in a charge being authorised by the Crown Prosecution Service. 

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

Antony Alcock, detective chief inspector at Essex Police, said: “Following the formal identification process being completed, I am now in the position to confirm that the victim in this case is 22-year-old Bako Azad Sheikha, who sadly passed away at the scene on Monday morning. 

“Today’s charge is a significant development in this investigation and I would like to give credit to the investigative team who have been working around the clock on this as well as the number of witnesses who have assisted with our enquiries. 

“His family have been informed and are receiving support. Our team will continue to work on this case and we’re continuing to appeal to anyone who may have any information to contact us.”

Essex Police has set up its Major Incident Public Portal (MIPP) in English and Kurdish for anyone who wants to provide information.

Mr Alcock added: “As we have previously mentioned Bako was from the Kurdish community, and we believe he had connections across areas in Essex and Suffolk including Ipswich.

“We are aware that Bako’s death has had an impact on the Kurdish community and beyond. We need anyone who may want to talk to us to get in contact, no matter how small the information may seem.”

The MIPP can be accessed here in English by visiting bit.ly/3LhyxWG and Kurdish through bit.ly/3UdEp7B.

Alternatively, you can submit a report online using Essex Police’s live chat service on Monday to Friday (excluding bank holidays) between 10am and 9pm.

You can also contact police by calling 101.