Police launch murder investigation after death in Thaxted, Essex

Police have launched a murder investigation after a man in his 50s died.

Essex Police said officers were called to Orchard Close, Thaxted, at 00:35 GMT on Monday, and that a man died at the scene.

The force said it believed he had been involved in an altercation at nearby pub The Star about two-and-a-half hours before his death.

A 51-year-old man from Thaxted has been arrested on suspicion of murder.

Police said the sequence of events started after the altercation involving a woman at The Star at about 22:00 GMT on Sunday.

Officers were then called to reports of an assault in Magdalen Green where a man had sustained head injuries at 23:50 GMT.

They then attended Orchard Close at 00:35 GMT, where a different man died at the scene.

Det Ch Insp Ant Alcock said: "I am sure this will be a shock to the community and I'd like to reassure the public we believe this is an isolated incident.

"We are working at pace to establish the events of Sunday night and we believe the people of Thaxted may be able to help us with these inquiries."

Mr Alcock said officers would be present in the town throughout Monday and urged anyone with information to approach them.

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