Detectives investigating the murder of Saudi Arabian student Nahid Almanea have appealed for two cyclists, seen using Salary Brook Trail on the day of her death, to come forward.
The man and woman were seen riding together by a witness at 10.45am on June 17, coming from the direction of the University of Essex towards Greenstead.
The man is described as being olive skinned with dark hair. He was in his early 20s and looked tall and slim.
The woman is thought to be in her 20s with long dark hair. She was wearing what has been described as a flowing pattern tiered shirt.
Officers would also like to speak to two other men who were thought to have been on or around the Salary Brook Trail around the time of the murder.
One was seen running up Hewes Close, away from the Salary Brook Trail at 10.56am on Tuesday, June 17.
He is described as white, aged between 18 and 25, of medium build and with dark hair. He was wearing a long sleeve plain hooded top that is described as London bus red and dark trousers.
The other is thought to have been wearing a very distinctive jacket which is described as being an Italian designer item, it was slightly longer than waist-length, had brown buttons up the front and two pockets also with buttons.
It was beige, and had a belt which may or may not have had a buckle. He was seen on the Salary Brook Trail between 10.20am and 10.40am, shortly before Nahid was found.
He was walking from the direction of the university towards the Greenstead estate on the Salary Brook Trail.
He was wearing baggy trousers, which may have been lightweight cotton.
Detective Chief Superintendent Steve Worron said: "People in Colchester can help us. Somebody local may know something that could give us a vital clue. Please come forward and help us find the person responsible for Nahid's murder.
Anyone with information should call the incident room on 01245 282103 – we are waiting for your calls."
