A MURDER investigation has been launched following an attack on a man with a “metal object” in Harwich.

Police were called to Barrack Lane, just before 10pm on Sunday following reports a man had been assaulted.

Michael Beckwith, 44, of Goodlake Close, Dovercourt, is believed to have been hit with a metal object.

He suffered serious head injuries and was taken to hospital, where he died on Tuesday.

Three people have been charged with conspiracy to murder and appeared in court on Friday morning.

Mr Beckwith’s mother, Iris Beckwith, said: "Michael was only 44 when he passed away. His passing came far too soon for a young man who just wanted to make people’s lives better.

"He will be very much missed by me and all who knew him.”

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

She added: "Michael was born in Barking Hospital in 1971 and grew up in the East Ham area of London.

"Michael and myself moved to Essex in 2003 following the early death of his father and sister.

"At first, Michael was employed at a poultry factory in Witham before finding employment at a residential home in Weeley for people with mental health illnesses.

"He enjoyed what he did and I believe he’d found his vocation in making people’s lives better.

"He had been working at the home for six years before he passed away and I’ve received many kind words from his work colleagues, which make me realise how well thought of he was.

"Michael liked fishing and was a member of Harwich Angling Club. He also liked listening to Elvis Presley and loved classic cars. He was also an animal lover."

Mr Beckwith was a carer for his mother and worked at Connolly House nursing home in The Street, Weeley.

Neighbour Bob Hoywood, of Goodlake Close, said he was stunned to learn of Mr Beckwith's death.

“He seemed a quiet, nice man who kept himself to himself," he said.

“It hasn’t sunk in yet. I was gobsmacked when I found out.

“I know he lived with his mother Iris. She must be devastated. I think he was an only child. My condolences go to her.”

Senior investigating officer Det Insp Al Pitcher, of the Kent and Essex Serious Crime Directorate, said: "I am keen to speak to witnesses who saw what happened or to anyone who was walking in the Barrack Lane area and saw anybody acting suspiciously around the time of the incident.

"I’d ask anyone with information to please contact us, or they can speak to Crimestoppers anonymously if they do not want to give their name.”

Part of Barrack Lane has been sealed off following the incident and police are searching an area close to Beacon Hill Fort.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Liz Humphreys, of Barrack Lane, Harwich, said she and her husband Frank had noticed nothing out of the ordinary when they arrived home at about 9pm on Sunday.

But at about 3.30am Mr Humphreys said he had been awoken by commotion on the road and noticed police cars.

“I know a man’s body was found around that area a while back,” said Mrs Humphreys.

“But we never expected anything like this to happen, especially somewhere like Harwich. It is shocking and scary, it is basically right on top of us.”

Mr Humphreys, 82, added: “We have seen cars parked on the road before and seen people heading up that lane. But we’ve never seen anything like this.

“At the moment I’m just shocked and surprised this has happened.”

Another neighbour said the police had been using floodlights to carry out the search and there had been a police presence on the road since Sunday night. 

Harwich East ward councillor Ivan Henderson said the attack had shocked the town.

 “It’s a terrible incident, which you don’t expect to happen in such a quiet town as ours,” he said.

“It’s really worrying, especially where it has taken place. Children do use that area as a playground, even though they are not supposed to.

“Harwich is a tight-knit community and this will affect and alarm everyone.”
“Our thoughts are with everyone who has been affected by this.”

Harwich mayor Pam Morrison added: “This is a dreadful incident and will come as a great shock to the entire community.”

The Harwich Society has confirmed that its Radar Tower tourist attraction next to the site will not be open as planned this Sunday.

Essex Police said enquiries are ongoing and witnesses or anyone with information are asked to contact officers on 101 or email scdappeals@essex.pnn.police.uk. Alternatively, call Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111.