Thaxted: Man charged with murder

Wednesday 20 March

A 51-year-old man is charged with the murder of a man in Thaxted.

We were called to reports of a man assaulted in a garden in Orchard Close, also in Thaxted, at about 12.35am on Monday 18 March.

Despite the best efforts of paramedics, the man in his 50s died at the scene.

Our officers quickly arrested a man in connection with the assault.

Now, Kevin Horswill, of Magdalen Green in Thaxted, will appear at Chelmsford Magistrates’ Court this morning, Wednesday 20 March, charged with murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Ant Alcock said: “We continue to work to build this case and still want to hear from any members of the public that may have information.

“If you have any details you’ve not yet shared with police, please contact us.”

Officers want to hear from anyone who may have information about two other incidents in Thaxted on the evening of Sunday 17 March, or doorbell footage from the area at the time of the incidents.

Please get in touch with details regarding a reported altercation at The Star in Mill End at about 10pm, or about a reported assault in Orchard Close between 11pm and 11.50pm.

Monday 18 March

We have arrested a man on suspicion of murder after a second man was found with serious injuries in his garden in Thaxted.

We believe the victim started the evening at The Star in Mill End, where they have been involved in an altercation involving a female around 10pm.

Later, we were called at about 11.50pm to Magdalen Green, also in Thaxted, with reports of an assault in where a second man had sustained injuries to their head. They were taken to hospital.

We were later called to reports of a man assaulted at an address in Orchard Close at about 12.35am on Monday 18 March.

Sadly, despite the best efforts of paramedics at the scene, this man in his fifties died.

Our officers have arrested a 51-year-old man from Thaxted on suspicion of murder.

Detective Chief Inspector Ant Alcock said:

“I am sure this will be a shock to the community, and I’d like to reassure the public we believe this is an isolated incident.
“We are working at pace to establish the events of Sunday night, and we believe the people of Thaxted may be able to help us with these enquiries.
“Officers will be in the town throughout today, Monday 18 March, so please speak to one of our officers if you believe you have information that will assist us.
“Any information you have may be vital – you may think it is small, but we want to hear from you.”

We would like to hear from anyone who may have witnessed an incident at The Star on the evening of Sunday 17 March.

If you have any information, please get in touch through our dedicated online portal. 

If you would like to make an anonymous report you can contact the independent charity Crimestoppers, by visiting their website or by calling 0800 555 111.