Murder squad detectives have urged Colchester people not to be afraid to help if they have clues which could solve the violent death of a Chinese man in the town.

And they called on minicab drivers to come forward if they witnessed events leading up to the death of Hok Wan Leung, 34, at the Middleborough roundabout.

The killing could be linked to Chinese gang warfare but detectives stressed anyone with information would be treated confidentially.

For more on this story, look for items headed 'Colchester killing They are seeking the drivers and passengers of a number of cars near or at the scene at 2am on Sunday, in particular a Peugeot and Ford Sierra, which could be minicabs.

Det Sgt Bob Kettle said: "We are anxious to trace drivers and passengers. It would help us if people could come forward sooner rather than later and I can reassure them they will be treated in the strictest confidence."

Officers at the incident room in Stanway have taken many calls and are following up several new lines.

They are seeking a woman who might hold vital evidence. They believe she was in one of the vehicles involved in a high-speed car chase along the A12 and at the scene of the killing.

An Essex Police spokesman said: "Officers are appealing for her to come forward with information."

Police have been granted custody time extensions to question 24 men from London who were arrested on Sunday.

All but two of the suspects are Chinese and speak different dialects so interpreters have been brought in.

The suspects are being held at Grays, Basildon and Rayleigh police stations. Essex Police are liaising with officers from the Metropolitan force to "share information".

Anyone with information should ring the incident room on 01206 546629 or 762996 or Crimestoppers on 0800 555111

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