THE police's decision to refer themselves to a watchdog over the response to an incident which saw three people stabbed to death has been praised by a council safety boss.

Essex Police confirmed that they were initially called about a concern for someone’s welfare in Wellesley Road, Colchester, at 10.15pm on Saturday following reports there had been an altercation.

It is understood the person who made the call had dialled the emergency 999 number but was told by the call handler police were unable to attend immediately.

Three men were found dead two hours later by members of the public who went to the address.

They then called police themselves.

This time officers did attend and launched the triple murder probe.

Colchester Council's portfolio holder for public safety Mike Lilley (Lab) said the move from the police would lead to transparency.

“I think it is the right thing for them to do and I am really pleased they have gone down this road,” he said.

“It will stop all the rumours and all the speculation about whether there was an unacceptable delay and get all the facts out there.

“I applaud the decision by the police and their commitment to being transparent.

“We will now wait and see whether the IOPC think there needs to be an investigation or not.”

Mr Lilley said the community had been left “shocked” by the incident.

“You cannot believe there has been three people killed in the same situation,” he added.

A spokesman for Essex Police said: “We will be referring ourselves to the Independent Office for Police Conduct to review our response to the incident.”

An IOPC spokesman confirmed they had received the referral and were looking to see if they needed to take any action.

“We have received a referral from Essex Police which is being assessed to determine whether any IOPC investigation is required,” he said.

Danny Gibson, 35, and his brother 31-year-old Jason Gibson, both from Colchester, were found dead inside a property.

Richard Booth, 35, and also from Colchester was found inside a car in Hospital Road, Colchester.

They had all been stabbed to death.

Police arrested Tom Saunders, of Bounstead Road, Colchester, at hospital within hours of the incident and he was later charged.

The 32-year-old has been charged with three counts of murder and possession of a weapon in a public place and has appeared in court.

His next hearing has been scheduled for November.

Since the outset of the investigation, police have said they do not believe the incident to be related to drugs nor gangs.

They are also not looking for any other suspects in relation to the three deaths.