Police have confirmed the woman knifed to death on the Greenstead estate in Colchester yesterday (June 17) is believed to be a University of Essex student.
While a formal identification of the victim is yet to take place, Essex Police also believe she is a Saudi Arabian national.
The woman was found collapsed in Avon Way by a member of the public yesterday morning (June 17) and reported it to the police at about 10.40am.
Detectives have since descended on the area and are appealing for anyone who used the Salary Brook Trail between 8.30am and 11am to contact police.
They have also said the case holds immediate similarities with the death of James Attfield, stabbed more than 100 times in Castle Park earlier this year.
Anyone with any information that could assist the enquiry is asked to contact the Major Investigation Team on 01245 282103, Essex Police on 101 or they can contact Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.
