A SECOND person has been charged with the murder of rough sleeper Martin Dines in Colchester.

Darren Miller, 45, of no fixed abode, has been charged with murder and will appear at Chelmsford Crown Court tomorrow (April 27) as well as Heidi Kennedy, 46, of Queen Elizabeth Way, Colchester.

Kennedy was also charged in connection with an assault in Colchester on Sunday. 

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Scene - police were at St Mary’s Car Park on Monday

An investigation was launched after the discovery of Mr Dines' body at St Mary’s car park on Balkerne Hill just before 9am on Monday. 

A 32-year-old man remains in custody while a 47-year-old man, who was also arrested on suspicion of murder, has since been released under investigation.

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Tributes have been paid to Mr Dines’ father, Brian, said he would visit him and his mother, Mary, regularly.

He said: “Martin was no angel, but he couldn’t be too bad, because he always laughed at my jokes.

“I looked forward to seeing him, he would visit every six weeks to come for a chat.

“He always told Mary he loved her and I wasn’t a bad old stick.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Tributes - Brian Dines paid tribute to son Martin

Tributes - Brian Dines paid tribute to son Martin

“I found him entertaining company.

“Martin found his lifestyle challenging but he enjoyed a challenge.”

Police officers have been searching a flat in New Kiln Road, Lexden, since Monday night and residents believe it is in connection with Mr Dines’ death.

Residents have not been officially told why police are on the scene.

But it is understood a flat was raided at roughly 10pm on Monday night.

Officers have been there ever since.

Maldon and Burnham Standard: Forensics - specialist officers in Lexden

Six police cars were on the street yesterday morning.

One neighbour said: “What we have heard is three people were arrested there on Monday night.

“Someone told me there was an almighty crash at about 10pm and police have been here ever since.

“They have been in and out with the forensic suits on.”

Officers could be seen removing items from the property as the investigation continued.

Detectives believe Mr Dines may have been involved in an altercation on Sunday night in the Head Street or Crouch Street area of town.

Officers attended but could not find anything and inquiries into whether the two incidents are connected are ongoing.

Det Chief Insp Stephen Jennings, who is leading the investigation, appealed for anyone with information to call the North Major Investigation Team on 101quoting incident 224 of April 23.

Alternatively they can contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.