A man suffered 102 stab wounds in a savage and seemingly “motiveless” murder in Castle Park.

James Attfield, 33, suffered knife wounds to his head, torso, arms and hands in an random attack in the town’s park in the early hours of Saturday morning.

The father-of-five, who lived in sheltered accommodation in East Bay, Colchester, had left the River Lodge pub in Middleborough at 10.09pm on Friday leaving about three quarters of a pint of drink- which was unusual.

He was found alive but unconcious in the park at 5.45am, but it is not known what happened during the seven hours after he left the pub.

DCI Simon Werrett, who is leading the investigation, said: “This is one of the most brutal murders I have dealt with.

“There are 102 separate wounds on the body which we believed to have been caused by a knife."

Police officers are currently handing out the poster in the hope of gathering more information. 

Gazette: Jim Atffield poster

Anyone with information is asked to call police on 101 or Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555111.