Two sought over songwriter's murder

Police are appealing for two men to hand themselves in to the nearest police station immediately as it is "vitally important" they are spoken to about the murder of a "well-known songwriter".

Essex Police have taken the "unusual step" of issuing the names and photographs of Jack Hummerstone, 18, from London, and Andre Vella, 19, from Frinton-on-Sea, and are urging anyone who knows anything about their whereabouts to contact police immediately.

Thomas Brittain, 26, from Essex, died after he was assaulted in the home of a friend, in a flat in Parkside Quarter, Colchester, at around 1.45am on Saturday.

He suffered multiple stab wounds and the provisional result from the post-mortem examination carried out is that he died from a stab wound to the chest.

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

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

Detectives have issued CCTV pictures of the two men they want to question in connection with the stabbing.

The suspects are described as white men who were wearing hooded tops, tracksuit-type clothing and with their faces covered. They were both about 6ft and of average build.

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

Detective Chief Inspector 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. Our message to these two men is this: 'You should hand yourselves in at the nearest police station as soon as possible'."