A DETECTIVE investigating the murder of a devoted father has made a direct appeal urging the people responsible to hand themselves in.

Murdoch Brown, 31, was attacked in Buffett Way, Colchester, shortly before 1.10am on Tuesday, May 7.

Officers and paramedics were called to the scene but Mr Brown sadly died in hospital as a result of blood loss from stab wounds to his legs.

It is believed his death could potentially be linked to the sale of drugs.

Det Chief Inspector Stuart Truss, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, has now urged his killer to come forward.

He said: “I would plead with them to come forward.

“They have made it bad enough for themselves already by not coming forward up to this point.

“Hopefully we can get this sorted as quickly as possible.

“The intention may not have been for Murdoch Brown to lose his life.

“We need people to come forward and speak to us and bring closure for his family.”

Police are continuing to review CCTV and talk to people who have volunteered information.

But Det Chief Insp Truss said he believed the Greenstead community had the answers to the murder but were reluctant to come forward.

He said: “The biggest challenge is having people willing to talk to us because of the nature of the incident - a violent attack which resulted in someone’s death.

“A man in his 30s with two children has lost his life and we need to get closure for his family.

“We need to be able to build up a picture.

“We know drug dealing does go on, on the estate. Unless people come forward and provide information we are not able to get to the bottom of that.

“If people want us to make the estate and Colchester a safer place they need to come forward.”

Police are still hunting for two men they believe were seen running from the scene.

Any witnesses should call call the North Major Crime Team on 101 or email scd.appeals.essex@essex.pnn.police.uk.

Alternatively, contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.