Murder probe in Harlow Town Centre led police to block access to abandoned shops for much of the day

A murder probe was the reason for police blocking access to vacan shops in Harlow Town Centre for much of today.

Officers were called to reports of a man found injured round the back of The Rows shortly before 9.15pm on Wednesday, 18 December.

Emergency services attended but, sadly, the man was pronounced dead at the scene.

An initial assessment of the situation has us led Essex Police to believe the man’s death is suspicious and the force is carrying out an investigation to establish the circumstances.

A spokesman said: "As part of our investigation three men – aged 43, 44, and 61 – have been arrested on suspicion of murder and are currently in custody."

Detective Inspector Stewart Eastbrook said: “My thoughts today are with the family and friends of the man who has died.

“Our investigation is in the early stages but our initial assessment is that his death is suspicious.

“Specialist officers and staff are carrying out a range of enquiries to build a picture of what led up to this man’s death and you are likely to see a police presence in the area today.

“I need anyone who was in the area or has CCTV or dash cam footage to contact us.”

If you have any information, CCTV, dash cam or other footage in relation to this incident, then please get in contact with us using a dedicated portal found at https://mipp.police.uk/operation/4201020124R33-PO1

Alternatively, you can let us know by submitting a report on our website or by using our online Live Chat service which is available 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.

Visit www.essex.police.uk/digital101 to find out more about our online reporting services.

If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact independent charity @Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.

Please quote incident 1192 of 18 December.

Earlier today officers were seen been taking turns to block access to a rundown empty shop in Eastgate in the Essex town centre for much of the day.

A police car also blocked access to the rear car park behind the vacant retail units.

The shop in question has been accessible for months after the owner failed to board it up despite, it being raised by the council and in the media.

Police on the scene would not say what was happening.

A man working in a nearby business said that staff had been told not to go any further than the bins at the back of their store and that the site to the rear was taped off with what looked like an investigation underway.