Clacton murder probe after ‘assaulted’ man is found dead in flat fire
A MURDER investigation has begun after a man was found dead in a flat fire in the seaside resort of Clacton.
A cordon was set up at the scene in Station Road, near Pier Avenue after firefighters were initially called to a blaze in a flat.
When the crews arrived they discovered a man inside, who had been assaulted.
Officers arrived at around 7am and the man was pronounced dead at the scene.
Essex Police said in statement: "We have started a murder investigation after a man was found dead in a flat in Clacton.
"We were called by the fire service to a fire at an address in Station Road shortly before 7am today.
"Emergency services had been called to the fire and when they entered the address they found a man who had been assaulted.
"Sadly, he was pronounced dead at the scene. A murder investigation has started and a cordon has been put in place."
Senior investigating officer detective chief inspector Martin Pasmore, from the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: “Our investigation is still in its early days but we are looking at the possibility this was a targeted attack.
“I need anyone who was in the Station Road area between 6am and 7am and anyone going into or leaving the building to come forward.”
Later, Essex Police revealed that a man had been arrested on suspicion of murder.
They said: "We have arrested a man on suspicion of murder following the death of a man in a flat in Clacton .
"A 47 year-old man was arrested shortly before 3.45pm today nearby on suspicion of murder and is currently in custody."
