A murder probe has been launched after a man was found fatally injured in an Iceland car park in the early hours of the morning.
Police suspect the victim, who was in his 40s, had been assaulted close to a nearby pub.
Despite frantic efforts to save him, he died at the scene, police said in a statement.
The tragedy unfolded in Canvey Island, Essex, with police called by a member of the public shortly before 1.45am.
In a statement Essex Police said detectives believe an assault had happened close to The Haystack pub. The victim has not been named.
No arrests have been made, with detectives appealing for witnesses to come forward.
Detective Chief Inspector Greg Wood, who is heading the investigation, said: “I want to extend my condolences to the family of the man who has died.
“There is a team of officers and staff working hard to establish what happened to him and we are starting to build a picture of the circumstances around the assault.
“If you saw what happened, or have any other information about the assault then I need you to contact us.”
Officers warn that there will be disruption to Canvey throughout the day.
The force said: "We received a call shortly before 1.45am today (Saturday 4 February) to reports of a man in his 40s found injured in the car park to Iceland in Furtherwick Road.
"It is believed he had been assaulted near to The Haystack pub a short time earlier.
"Sadly, despite the best efforts of emergency services, the man died at the scene."
