Police say Iceland car park death 'was targeted attack' after man found at night

04 February 2023 , 18:20

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A murder investigation has been launched after a man died in a car park in Essex (Image: PA)

A man killed in an Iceland car park attack may have been targeted, police have said.

The man in his 40s was discovered in the supermarket car park in Canvey Island, Essex, in the early hours of Saturday morning.

Essex Police said the man had reportedly been attacked outside at a nearby pub, with ambulance crews called to the scene where he tragically died.

A murder squad now leading the investigation said the perpetrators would be known locally or possibly even to people in the pub at the time.

Detectives also claimed the attack was believed to be targeted.

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Police say they now believe the attack was targeted (PA)

Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood, who is leading the investigation, said: "We believe those involved had been inside The Haystack pub earlier in the evening.

"I believe that someone who was in the pub, or lives locally, will know the identity of those responsible and I urge anyone to contact us or Crimestoppers with the information they have.

"At this stage, I believe the assault was a targeted attack and this incident does not pose a threat to the wider public."

He described the murder investigation as "progressing well", and detectives were "building a picture of the circumstances which led up to this fatal assault".

Mr Wood said police would still be working at the scene on Sunday, but it was hoped the size of the cordon could later be reduced.

He added: "However, I expect a cordon to remain in place until tomorrow as our inquiries progress.

"I know this has caused disruption to the centre of Canvey today but it has been to allow essential work to take place, and I want to thank the public for their patience and understanding."

Susie Beever