Police investigating the "brutal and savage" stabbing of Saudi Arabian student Nahid Almanea in Colchester have released CCTV footage of a woman they believe to be the victim.
The 31-year-old, who studied at the University of Essex, was knifed 16 times on Tuesday (June 17), police revealed today.
Nahid had been studying English at the University of Essex since January this year as part of her plans to take a PHD in life sciences.
Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Worron said: "The picture we currently have is of a dedicated student who was putting in a lot of hard work into furthering her studies.
"This was a young, and very intelligent woman who had a bright future ahead of her and a lot to live for.
"She has been murdered in what we can only term a brutal and savage attack as she made her way to University to attend her lectures.
She is believed to have left her home in Woodrow Way and then made her way down across Avon Way onto the Salary Brook Trail - the same route she took every day with her brother, who had left early that morning
It is possible she may have got onto the trail at one of several entrances on Avon Way, towards St Andrews Avenue, before she was attacked.
Chief Inspector Richard Phillibrown added: "We are also aware of statements being posted on line making various threats.
"These are being looked at and if there is evidence of criminal offences within the UK they will be pursued.
"I see this murder as an attack on the entire community of Colchester and I believe we will all pull together to respond to it.
"I am confident that the vast majority of people in this town will pay no attention to those trying to stir up trouble. But we will take immediate action against anyone who commits any offence."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.
