Colchester Stabbing: Police Identify Two Suspects

Two men have been urged to hand themselves in to the nearest police station immediately in connection with the murder of an aspiring DJ and songwriter.

Essex Police said it was "vitally important" they speak to Jack Hummerstone, 18, from London, and Andre Vella, 19, from Frinton-on-Sea.

They issued photographs of the pair and anyone who knows anything about their whereabouts is urged to contact police immediately.

Thomas Brittain, 26, died after he was stabbed multiple times in the home of a friend in Parkside Quarter, Colchester, at around 1.45am on Saturday.

His family described him as a well-known songwriter and local music producer also known as Twister.

"He was a lovely, kind and funny man who will be dearly missed," they said.

Friends, many of them from the local drum and bass scene, paid tribute to Mr Brittain on Twitter and Facebook.

@C_Kay wrote on Twitter: "Very sad to hear the news that Rough Tempo MC, MC Twister, was stabbed to death in Colchester last night. RIP buddy."

And @ReeenMyster posted: "Can't get my head around it. Tom Britain (sic). Twister gone. What is Colchester coming too. My thoughts go out to his brother and family."

The suspects named by police have been described as white men who were wearing hooded tops, tracksuit type clothing and with their faces covered. They were both about 6ft tall and average build.

DCI Mark Hall, of Essex Police, said: "We have decided to take the unusual step of issuing the names and pictures of these two individuals at this early stage as we believe it is vitally important we speak to them."

Earlier he said two suspects shown in CCTV footage were believed to have "fled via the riverside path that runs behind Charles House, before getting into a dark Ford Fiesta parked in St Peters Street, close to the junction with Middle Mill".

"These men forced their way into a flat where the victim was staying, armed with a knife," he added.

"One of the men was also in possession of a handgun.

"They violently assaulted and killed the victim who was unable to defend himself; as such I consider them to be very dangerous individuals."

If anyone sees the men they are advised not to approach them but to contact police by calling 999.