MURDER probe cops in Clacton yesterday brought in an aerial platform to search the rooftops for the weapon which killed James Gregoire.
The hydraulic platform was used in the area where Mr Gregoire, 54, was stabbed to death in a town centre alleyway late on Monday night.
Residents in nearby Beach Road said officers spent Wednesday morning searching drains for the murder weapon.
One man told the Gazette: "None of us could go in or out all morning.
"They've had the lorries in lifting up the drain covers and searching and now they'be brought in a sky lift to search the rooftops over the market.
"They've also been looking under cars."
A police spokesman said: "A crane is being used to assist officers in searching the location."
A 21-year-old man arrested on suspicion of murder remains under police guard in hospital.
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