20/06/2014

Colchester Police Warning Over 'Brutal' Murders

Colchester Police officers have launched an investigation to find the murderer of a Saudi Arabian student who was stabbed 16 times in Colchester, and who might also be responsible for the death of a vulnerable man who was stabbed more than 100 times in a park in March.

Officers investigating the murder of Nahid Almanea, who was attacked while she was walking along a path in Colchester, Essex, on Tuesday morning, have promised to "unrelentingly" pursue all lines of inquiry.

Police are investigating if the 31-ear-old Muslim's clothing was a factor, but said there are other possible motives and they are also investigating threats of revenge attacks on social media.

Officers warned citizens not to go out alone and be vigilant, and said the crime had "obvious similarities" to the murder of James Attfield, a vulnerable man with brain damage who was stabbed more than 100 times.

However, the cases currently remain under separate investigations.

Chief Inspector Richard Phillibrown said: "I see this murder as an attack on the entire community of Colchester and I believe we will all pull together to respond to it. I am confident that the vast majority of people in this town will pay no attention to those trying to stir up trouble."

(CVS/IT)

Related UK National News Stories
Click here for the latest headlines.

15 February 2008
Man Arrested Over London Taxi Rapes
Police investigating a series of attacks in London by a rapist who picks up his victims in a black taxi cab have arrested a man. Scotland Yard confirmed that the suspect, who is aged in his 40s, was arrested at an address in southeast London. He is currently being questioned.
03 July 2014
Police Issue E-fit Of A Man Wanted In Connection With Colchester Murder
Detectives investigating the murder of a Saudi Arabian student have issued an e-fit of a man they would like to speak to in connection with the investigation. Nahid Almanea was stabbed 16 times and was found dead on the Salary Brook Trail in Colchester, Essex, at around 10.40am on 17th June.
24 June 2014
Colchester Murder: Police Appeal To Cyclists
Officers are continuing to investigate the the murder of Saudi Arabian student Nahid Almanea. Detectives are appealing for two cyclists, seen using Salary Brook Trail on the day of her death, to come forward. The man and woman were seen riding together coming from the direction of the University of Essex towards Greenstead.
23 June 2014
Colchester Police Hunt Over Murder Suspects
Detectives investigating the murder of student Nahid Almanea have revealed details about two men they want to question. Police officers are looking for a man, who was seen near the crime-scene, described as average build with thick dark hair. He was also wearing a distinctive brown jacket.
28 January 2015
Knife Amnesty Launches In Teenagers Memory
Knife amnesty bins are to be placed in Clacton and Colchester in memory of teenager stabbed to death at a party. The Only Cowards Carry campaign was launched by Caroline Shearer following the death of her 17-year-old son, Jay Whiston, who was stabbed and killed at a party in Colchester in 2012.