The detective leading the investigation into the murder of a man on Canvey at the weekend says he needs those at The Haystack pub that night to come forward.
A man in his 40s died after being found injured in the car park to Iceland in Furtherwick Road at around 1.45am on Saturday (February 4).
He has been named locally as Matt Portwood.
Detective Inspector Kev Hughes is leading the investigation.
He said: “The Haystack pub was busy on Friday night into Saturday morning and I am confident there are lots of people who have information that can help our investigation who we’ve not yet been able to identify and speak to.
“There are people who were in the pub before the assault and people who had gone outside at the time of the incident.
“If you were there and you have not yet spoken to us, I need you contact my team.
“The information you have could be really important to our investigation.
“Our priority and our focus is to bring those responsible for this fatal assault to justice.
“That’s what we’re interested in and that’s what we want information on.
“If you don’t feel comfortable speaking to us then please contact Crimestoppers, where you can report information and stay 100 percent anonymous.”
DI Hughes added: “The cordon at the scene has now been stood down and there is no further disruption in the centre of the town.”
Anyone with any information or footage in relation to this incident is asked to get in contact with police.
A special portal has been set up through which information can be reported: mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020122Q41-PO1.
As well as through the online portal, people can submit a report on the Essex Police website from Monday to Friday (excluding public holidays) between 10am-9pm.
Quote the crime reference number 42/21102/23.
Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about the website reporting services.
Alternatively, call the force on 101. In an emergency always call 999.
To make an anonymous report, contact independent charity Crimestoppers by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.
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