A murder inquiry has been launched in Colchester and 24 people have been arrested.

Police today refused to comment on possible Triad links after the man, of Chinese origin, died of multiple injuries at 4am yesterday, two hours after the attack.

And a young couple who were first on the scene could have vital evidence about the murder.

The events leading up to the murder are believed to have started with a fight on the A12 at Easthorpe at around 1.10am on Sunday morning.

Motorists reported to police that between five and seven cars had stopped next to the dual carriageway and a fight had broken out.

Officers are anxious to speak to the driver of a white Ford Sierra, possibly with a yellow taxi sign, which is believed to have passed the scene.

Det Supt Lee Weavers said at some point a number of cars began to travel in tandem with the victim's car.

Around ten minutes later, an incident occurred at Middleborough roundabout just off Colchester town centre, involving about the same number of vehicles as the A12 incident.

Following this the victim was taken to Colchester General Hospital with serious head injuries. He died about two hours later.

Three other men - all of oriental extraction - were also in the car with the victim. One was treated for minor injuries at Colchester General Hospital and later released.

Police recovered two large hand-held instruments at the scene but would not confirm what they were.

Speaking at a press conference yesterday afternoon, Det Supt Weavers said police particularly need the help of a young couple who were first on the scene in Middleborough when the incident took place.

Det Supt Weavers, head of the Essex Police Crime Division, said: "At this stage we still have not established the man's identity and have not established a motive."

When asked if there was a link to the Triads - the Chinese mafia - Det Supt Weavers said it would be "premature to rule in or out any links of that type."

Police do know the victim is from the London area. A post mortem examination yesterday confirmed he died of severe multiple injuries.

Part of the Middleborough roundabout was sealed off for most of Sunday and Balkerne Hill and Westway were also closed to traffic.

The damaged car remained at the scene as forensic teams searched for clues. Police will also be checking CCTV cameras in the area to see if they provide any evidence.

Twenty-four people were helping police with their inquiries today.

Police guard the victim's car.

(Right) Det Supt Lee Weavers at the press conference yesterday

Picture: CLARE BANKS

Converted for the new archive on 19 November 2001. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.