Man arrested on suspicion of murder after Colchester attack

Stuart Coldicott suffered a serious head injury in Colchester on February 11 2014 and officers suspected this was a result of a serious assault. 

At the time, although a complex investigation was done Essex Police were not able to prove his serious head injury was the result of a specific assault carried out by a specific person.

Mr Coldicott was given a high level of complex daily care until he died aged 46 in March this year. 

When he died a forensic post mortem examination was carried out which found a causal link between his head injury and his death. 

Stuart Coldicott after the head injury (Image: Essex Police)

As a result a investigation was launched and during this a number of new lines of enquiry and evidence have been uncovered. 

This led to a 61-year-old man to be arrested on Monday (November 11) in Colchester. 

He is now being questioned on suspicion of murder. 

Detective Inspector Lydia George, of the Kent and Essex serious crime directorate, is leading the investigation, said: "First and foremost the injuries which Stuart sustained in 2014 had a significant and long-lasting impact on him and of course his family, who continue to live with that impact to this day.

"When Stuart died and a casual link to the head injury on February 11 2024 was established, we began treating his death as a homicide and our fresh investigation was launched.

“And as part of that investigation, we have arrested a man on suspicion of murder, and he remains in custody to be questioned.

“We will also be speaking to a number of people who we’re considering as witnesses to gather additional information and accounts.

"Since the launch of this new investigation, we have identified a number of new lines of enquiry and new evidence which has ultimately led to the arrest we’ve made.

“We’ve remained in consistent contact with Stuart’s family, and they are aware of today’s arrest.

“They also know that we will take the time that this complex investigation requires and deserves.”

In a statement, Mr Coldicott's family said: “Stewie was a dearly loved brother, brother-in-law, uncle, great-uncle, son and friend to everyone that knew him.

“Stewie sustained a serious head injury, which resulted in him become a paraplegic. Although this horrific incident happened to him, he never lost his naughty sense of humour that put a smile on everyone’s faces. Nobody could replace him, and he will always remain in our hearts.

“All the family members and friends will greatly miss Stewie very much and our mischievous family member is gone from this world but not from our hearts.

“The family request to be left alone and allowed to grieve at this very difficult time.”