A MURDER investigation was launched on Saturday following the death of a man who was found seriously injured in Canvey Island. 

Detectives were called in to action after a man in his 40s was found in the Iceland car park in Furtherwick Road shortly before 1.45am.

It is believed he had been assaulted near to The Haystack pub a short time earlier.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services, the man died at the scene.

An area of the island including Furtherwick Road and Long Road was cordoned off while police investigated the scene on Saturday and Sunday.

Echo:

In the hours which followed the launch of the investigation, Det Chief Insp Greg Wood, who is leading the investigation, issued an update, saying he did not believe there was a risk to the wider public.

“I want to extend my condolences to the family of the man who has died,” he said.

“Our investigation is progressing well and we are building a picture of the circumstances which led up to this fatal assault.

“We believe those involved had been inside The Haystack pub earlier in the evening.

“I believe someone who was in the pub or lives locally local will know the identity of those responsible.

“I urge anyone to contact us or Crimestoppers with the information they have.

Echo:

“At this stage, I believe the assault was a targeted attack and this incident does not pose a threat to the wider public.

“Our work at the scene continued throughout Saturday and into Sunday.

“I know this has caused disruption to the centre of Canvey, but it has been to allow essential work to take place and I want to thank the public for their patience and understanding.

“If you saw what happened, or have any other information about the assault then I need you to contact us.”

The following day, on Sunday, Det Chief Insp Wood issued a further statement, saying the police were “continuing to make good progress”.

The police also set-up a special portal through which the public can submit information.

Det Chief Wood said: “We’re continuing to make good progress in our investigation.

“We have had a number of witnesses and people with information contact us and I want to thank them for coming forward.

“I still need anyone who saw something or has any information about what happened, who hasn’t yet spoken to us, to call us.

“The information you have could be vital to our enquiries.

Echo:

“I know it has caused disruption to the centre of the town, but it’s been really important to ensure we’re able to gather all evidence possible and I want to thank the public for their patience and understanding.”

The cordon in Canvey is expected to be removed later this evening.

News of the murder investigation left residents in Canvey shocked.

Kerry Niekerk said: “This poor person and their family. It is absolutely heartbreaking.

“My husband was attacked before and I’m still mentally trying to deal with what we went through.I can’t even begin to imagine what this poor family is having to deal with. Sending so much love to them all.”

Danielle Low has also sent her well wishes to the family of the victim.

She said: “Thinking of the families at this sad time.”

Claire Frankland added: “So sad. My heart goes out to the family.”

Witnesses should call Essex Police on 101, quoting incident 124 of February 4, or can contact the dedicated online portal at mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020122Q41-PO1.

Visit essex.police.uk/digital101 or call 101. To make an anonymous report call Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

The special portal can be found here: https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020122Q41-PO1