A man has been charged following the death of a pensioner in Witham. 

Emergency services were called to Phillip Road on Wednesday, January 8, after reports of a man with a head injury. 

Thomas Collier, aged 79, was taken to hospital but later sadly died. 

Initial enquiries resulted in the arrest of a 41-year-old man on suspicion of murder.

A murder charge has since been secured against the man, Jimmy Collier, also of Phillip Road. 

Detective Inspector Richard Canning, senior investigating officer, said: "We've had a dedicated team of officers investigating this incident since it was first reported to us.

"A grieving family coming to terms with the awful circumstances of this matter remain at the heart of our investigation.

"I would urge against speculation while the court process gets underway. There will be a time and place for the details of this case to be considered.

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"We are maintaining a visible policing presence across the Witham area, but I would reassure the community that there is no wider risk to them as a result of this incident."

Collier appeared before magistrates on Friday, January 17 and was remanded in custody until a hearing at Chelmsford Crown Court on Monday, January 20.

The police investigation is ongoing.