DETECTIVES have launched a murder investigation after an incident in Harlow.

They were called shortly after 11pm yesterday (Monday 21 August), to Joyners Field, Harlow, to reports of an assault.

Officers were on the scene within minutes, finding a male, aged in his 30s, had suffered a single stab wound.

He was taken on to hospital for treatment, but sadly was later pronounced deceased.

The investigation continues at pace this morning as they look to locate a suspect seen in the area around the time of the incident.

Officers will continue to conduct patrols in Harlow throughout today to engage with the community and keep you safe. 

The suspect is described as a mixed race male aged 19-23, about 5ft 6ins tall with black or dark afro-style hair, wearing a black hoody and black jogging bottoms.

He made off on a black pedal cycle on the cycle path towards Staple Tye.

Detective Supt Rob Kirby said: “We are working quickly to establish the circumstances leading up to the death of this man.

“Work continues as we follow a number of key lines of enquiry, and we will remain on scene whilst we carry out investigative work.

“I appreciate that this is unsettling and of concern for neighbours and the community, but at this stage we believe this to be an isolated incident of violence.

“We’d ask anyone who might have information including home CCTV or Doorbell footage that could help us, to call us as soon as possible.”

Chief Inspector Paul Austin, Harlow district commander, said: “Concern will rightly be felt by all across the community and I would like to assure residents in Harlow our officers will be seen throughout the area this week.

“Please don’t be afraid to approach them and speak to them if you have any concerns or need to raise any particular issues.

“We rely on our good links with residents in Harlow to ensure we can react and gather key information to assist with our enquiries.

“While incidents of this nature are alarming, they remain very rare, and our focus will remain on keeping the community safe while detectives continue a thorough and detailed investigation into this incident.”

If you have any information about this incident, contact us through our dedicated investigation phone line at 0800 051 4526.  or online portal at Public Portal (mipp.police.uk).

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ESSEX Police has sealed off an area of Joyners Field in Harlow.

The sealed off areas include a play park as well as a car park.

When YH attended at 0700 hrs, a number of uniformed officers were guarding the scene.

Joyners Field is in the Staple Tye area of Harlow.

We understand that emergency services have been there since 0200 hrs approx.

We have contacted the relevant press offices for more details.

More follows.