WHO IS HE? Police release Image of man they seek in connection with Harlow murder

DETECTIVES investigating a murder in Harlow are releasing an image of a man they need to speak to in connection with their enquiries. Essex Police continues to carry out a number of enquiries in Harlow following a serious assault in Joyners Field, at around 11pm on Monday August 21. The victim, a man in his 30s, sustained a single stab wound, and was sadly later pronounced deceased. A murder investigation has since been launched and is being managed by Essex and Kent Serious Crime Directorate. Specialist detectives are working quickly to identify anyone involved and are particularly interested in speaking with a man who was in the area late on the night of Monday. He is described as mixed-race, between 19-23, around 5ft 6inches, tall with black or dark afro-style hair. He was wearing a black hoodie, black jogging bottoms and black/red/white 'Jordan' trainers. He was riding a black pedal cycle and cycling from Joyners Field towards Staple Tye.

Detective Superintendent Rob Kirby said: “As expected, we are taking this extremely seriously and the investigation is developing quickly whilst we establish the circumstances leading to the death of this man. “We are now in a position to release an image of a man we urgently need to speak to in connection with our investigation. “If anyone recognises him or has knowledge of his whereabouts, they are asked to reach out to us. “A dedicated phone line has been set up on 0800 051 4526 for the public to report any information. “If you were in the area on Monday night or in the early hours of Tuesday and have any information, no matter how small it may seem, please call us.” Patrols continue in the town. An Essex |Police spokesman said: "Residents in Harlow may have noticed an increased police presence in the area while enquiries continue, and officers carry out house to house enquiries."

Officers are continuing to carry out patrols in Harlow

Chief Inspector Paul Austin, Harlow district commander, said: “My officers have been on the ground and patrolling Harlow over the past 24 hours and I would encourage residents to approach them to raise any concerns or issues. “They are there to help and keep you safe. “While any incident of this nature will naturally cause concern amongst the Harlow community, they remain very rare. “That doesn’t detract from the seriousness of this incident, and we will continue to remain vigilant and alert as we continue our enquiries.”

Tuesday 22 August Detectives have launched a murder investigation after an incident in Harlow. We were called shortly after 11pm yesterday (Monday 21 August), to Joyners Field, Harlow, to reports of an assault. Officers were on the scene within minutes, finding a male, aged in his 30s, had suffered a single stab wound. He was taken on to hospital for treatment, but sadly was later pronounced deceased. Our investigation continues at pace this morning as we look to locate a man seen in the area around the time of the incident. Officers will continue to conduct patrols in Harlow throughout today to engage with the community and keep you safe. The man sought in connection with the investigation is described as a mixed race male aged 19-23, about 5ft 6ins tall with black or dark afro-style hair, wearing a black hoody and black jogging bottoms. He made off on a black pedal cycle on the cycle path towards Staple Tye.

Investigation progressing quickly Detective Supt Rob Kirby said: "We are working quickly to establish the circumstances leading up to the death of this man. “Work continues as we follow a number of key lines of enquiry, and we will remain on scene whilst we carry out investigative work. “I appreciate that this is unsettling and of concern for neighbours and the community, but at this stage we believe this to be an isolated incident of violence. “We’d ask anyone who might have information including home CCTV or Doorbell footage that could help us, to call us as soon as possible.”

Chief Inspector Paul Austin, Harlow district commander, said: “Concern will rightly be felt by all across the community and I would like to assure residents in Harlow our officers will be seen throughout the area this week. “Please don’t be afraid to approach them and speak to them if you have any concerns or need to raise any particular issues. “We rely on our good links with residents in Harlow to ensure we can react and gather key information to assist with our enquiries. “While incidents of this nature are alarming, they remain very rare, and our focus will remain on keeping the community safe while detectives continue a thorough and detailed investigation into this incident.” If you have any information about this incident, contact us through our dedicated investigation phone line at 0800 051 4526, through our online portal at Public Portal (mipp.police.uk), or by using the QR code below.