Ten men arrested after body found near V Festival site

Detectives have launched a murder enquiry in Chelmsford.

Police were called by the Ambulance service just after midnight (early hours of Sunday, August 19) and are investigating the circumstances surrounding the suspicious death of a 39-year-old man from Rayleigh who was found in the rear garden of a house on the A414, London Road, Chelmsford, opposite V Festival in Hylands Park. His next of kin have been informed.

Ten men, aged between 23 and 35, all from Essex, have been arrested by police on suspicion of murder and remain in custody. They will be interviewed to ascertain their involvement in the man’s death.

A post mortem examination has given the preliminary result that the man died of head injuries. Her Majesty’s Coroner will open an inquest in due course.

Specially trained officers are supporting the man’s family at this time.

Detectives from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate need to speak to everyone who attended, what police believe, was a private party at the property during the late hours of Saturday/early hours of this morning.

Anyone with any information is asked to urgently contact Essex Police on 101 and leave their contact details or email [email protected].

Police will have extra patrols this evening in the City centre and in the Hyland Park area near V Festival.