A man has died after he was knifed in the back in Essex, where police have launched a murder investigation. Paramedics were called to the scene next to Colchester Castle this morning following the fatal stabbing. They called for police back-up and a murder enquiry was launched. Essex Police have said their investigation is currently at 'an early stage' but confirmed the dead man had suffered a stab wound to his back. It came hours a 40-year-old man was also stabbed in the back just yards away in George Street, although his wounds were not life threatening. Essex Police has confirmed it is investigating whether the incidents were linked but has not found any evidence connecting the attacks so far. Police are pictured at the scene of the victim's death near Colchester Castle and officers have launched a murder investigation Paramedics called for police back-up at about 8.20am but it is not yet known at what time the man was attacked and died. Police are still at the scene of the stabbing where officers are standing guard at the cordon, which runs directly beside the town's Methodist church. Forensics officers are combing the town centre scene. Locals say they saw the victim, who was wearing a heavy coat, lying on the street and thought he was a homeless man. It was only when they tried to wake him that they realised what had happened. They say the historic Dutch Quarter has been blighted by break-ins and drug taking as more people are forced onto the streets. Grandmother Claire McLeod,48, said: 'I saw this man on the floor when I went out and I thought he was sleeping. 'I was taking my grandchildren to school, I can't believe it, thankfully there was no blood I could see. 'He looked like a rough sleeper, we get a lot of them around here, he was just wearing a big heavy coat and hat. 'We get a lot of homeless here, taking their drugs and that, I wouldn't be surprised if it was connected.' Another local, who asked not to be named, said: 'I think someone saw this bloke sleeping and went over to check he was alright. When they tried to wake him up, they realised what had happened. It's getting worse round here with all the homelessness and drug taking.' The force is appealing for witnesses to the killing, or anyone who saw anything suspicious, to come forward. The victim has yet to be named. Officers have taped off the scene in the centre of Colchester after a man was found dead near the castle this morning An Essex Police spokeswoman said: 'Inquiries remain at an early stage and we are appealing to anyone who was in the area this morning and saw what happened, or has any information, to call the North Major Crime team on 101 quoting incident 208 of today's date. You can also report online at www.essex.police.uk/do-it-online. 'Alternatively, contact the Crimestoppers charity 100 per cent anonymously on 0800 555 111 or use the anonymous online form at Crimestoppers-uk.org.' Meanwhile the victim of the earlier attack, which happened shortly before 9.55pm on February 10, remains in hospital being treated for serious injuries. Officers are appealing for anyone who was in the area at the time and saw what happened, or anyone who has any information, to call Colchester CID on 101 quoting reference 42/22475/19. A police cordon remains in place outside the George Street Snooker Club, with one police car guarding a cordon. Mr and Mrs Mew, who live nearby, said: 'It doesn't surprise me that this is happening more and more. 'We won't walk the streets at night anymore. If we drive, we have to lock ourselves in. 'We have to walk through the park now - it is so worrying'.All rights reserved for this news site dailymail and under his responsibility